I had to go on Wednesday this week as I had a prior commitment on Monday. It totally threw me but once I’d got used it, I got back into the (Bus Route) zone. This route is the best for me in that the start is within walking distance of home. Hopped on the 13 bus and first stop was Golders Green Crematorium (Hoop Lane stop). It’s a very large area and is really tastefully laid out. I went to reception and was given a map of the grounds and a list of famous people who are buried there. It wasn’t easy to navigate my way around but I did manage to find a memorial to Marc Bolan and also Jack Bruce.
It definitely merits another trip when I’m not needing to go anywhere else. Over the road is the Jewish cemetery and I just popped in and saw a memorial to the Righteous – those who helped Jews to escape persecution. Most famous plaque was for Nicholas Winton.
Back on the bus and I got out at Finchley Road to go to the Hampstead Theatre. They didn’t have any pamphlets to give away owing to Covid but they are back in business and are showing some interesting plays. Outside the theatre, there was a Farmers’ Market selling delicious produce so I bought some French cheese for lunch.
Next stop was St John’s Wood Churchyard (Lords cricket ground stop) where a few famous people are buried, most notably the artists John Sell Cotman and John Jackson. Interestingly there was a giant chess set laid out on the grounds – it does look as if it’s possible to play a real game with the pieces. From there I walked round to Winfield House Gardens, passing over Regent’s Canal and also passing a War Memorial for the Men and Women of St Marylebone who had died in WW1 or 2. Winfield House gardens are part of Regent’s Park and Winfield House is where the US Ambassador to the UK resides, so it’s not possible to visit inside.
Back on the bus and a quick trip to Baker St station where I went to see the lovely statue of Sherlock Holmes. However many times I’ve been to the station, I don’t recall seeing the statue before.
After this I got out at Portman Square and went round to Montagu Square where a few famous people have lived – these include Anthony Trollope at 39, Ted Hughes at 13 (though no plaque has been erected here) and John Lennon at 34. I believe at one time, Ringo Starr and Jimi Hendrix had also lived here. Round the corner is Bryanston Square where possibly the most famous former resident is Wallis Simpson. Mustafa Resid Pasha lived at number 1 and William Dodge James at 28. Both of these squares are beautiful, architecturally and have retained their air of elegance. Most of the buildings are Grade II listed.
From there I got out of the bus at Marble Arch and walked to the Animals in War Memorial which is in the middle of Park Lane. A few large bronze statues of animals with a fitting text memorial.
Final stop on the route was to the Italian Cultural Institute in Belgrave Square. This was a little gem of a place – set in one of the old houses, it had an exhibition of Hyper Modern Dante artists that I was free to wander round. The institute also puts on concerts from time to time and courses for learning Italian.
Opposite the Institute is a homage to Leonardo da Vinci, an outdoor statue by Italian sculptor Enzo Plazzotta. There is also nearby, a statue of Simon Bolivar. On the plinth are the words: “I am convinced that England alone is capable of protecting the world’s rights as she is great, glorious and wise”.
I walked the last part of the route to Victoria station which is the terminus for the bus.
A good day and the surprising gem was the Italian cultural Institute which I hadn’t even heard of before.
I will definitely return to the Crematorium one day
london routemistress 