London Day Out

We had our traditional end of the summer holidays visit to London and this time Jamie had the choice of going wherever he wanted to and he chose The London Dungeon, which I wasn't too surprised at, because he has been mentioning he would like to go there for some time.  The dungeon is part of the Madam Tussauds Group but it concentrates on the darker side of London's history, the place is not really scary - just fun scary, but, saying that I am not sure I would consider taking a child younger than 10.  It is very easy to find, just a couple of minutes walk from Southwark station, I would certainly recommend booking in advance (which gives you a timed entrance) or getting there very early.  We had booked in advance and got there quite early so the queues were not too bad, but when we came out the queues were quite substantial.

We had our picture taken trying to behead Jamie (which you can buy at the end - we did of course), when we first entered the Dungeon and you go around as part of a group of about 15 - 20.   The first area is a mirrored labyrinth, which no matter how much you try to keep a perspective gets you totally lost and confused.  It is a good ploy to mess with your senses before you enter the rest of the dungeon.  The next area covers some of the history of death and disease in London, with added sound effects and real rats (thankfully behind a screen)!  The man below is animated and kindly vomits for you when you pass him!!

A view of the dungeon from outside.  It is by the very nature of the subject very dark inside and some of the areas are cobbled to add to the atmosphere - so comfortable shoes would be an essential.  Jamie and I held hands quite a lot - just in case - and tried to deny to the other that we had jumped at certain points when, of course, we had!!

You are guided around through some of London's most unsavoury historical times, or to meet some of London's more unsavoury historical figures.  You can see some of the instruments of torture which were used during the Middle Ages and if unlucky enough one of the costumed players guiding you through may pick you out to be the guinea pig which may be quite unpleasant if it were The Hook (used to hang people from in many and varied ways - not just using tethered hands or feet) or the Tongue Tearer (I'm sure we all know someone that would be useful for!!)

You are then sent before the Judge who sentences you to prison after having a bit of fun with 2 or 3 of the group, here one or two of the crimes can be a little bit cheeky (!!) but the serious side is seeing just how petty some of the crimes which were punishable by death really were such as "stealing a pocket handkerchief" or "cutting down fruit trees".  Once the group had been sentenced we were sent to prison in a boat via the river and headed off through traitors gate in the Tower of London.  The boat trip was good fun!!

We then had the opportunity to meet some of London's unsavoury characters such as 'Bloody' Mary Tudor, we learnt about the early medical history, the body snatchers and the experiments, we went for our haircut by Sweeney Todd, the Demon Barber of Fleet Street (this was perhaps the most frightening part of the whole tour - I will say no more!!)

And then it was the most famous or infamous of London's killers - Jack the Ripper, as we wandered through the London streets frequented by the poor unfortunates upon which Jack prayed we were told about his crimes and shown some of the more famous pictures (be warned some are graphic and it was here that a couple of young children ( about 7 or 8 years old) had to leave as they became frightened) of his crimes and given a short film about some of the suspects.  After that we payed a visit to the Ten Bells Public House where Mary Kelly his last victim was seen on the night of here death.  We enjoyed a drink and a chat with the landlady who knew Mary well!!

It is an enjoyable morning or afternoon visit, perhaps slightly over priced but that is London.  After the Dungeon we wandered towards Southwark Cathedral and the eateries situated in that area.  We decided on a Spanish paella bar where Mike and I had a glass of Sangria, the food was only average, but it was convenient to the area we were in.  After that we had a wander in Southwark food market and found a stall selling the most amazing array of speciality beers, from all of the country and the world.

We then headed to The Clink Museum, which was much smaller and quite pricey for what it was.  It was the history of Prisons in the London area and had some more torture implements and a block and axe as you can see below.  This is unlikely to keep you occupied for more than about half an hour so was a bit of a disappointment.  So we consoled ourselves with coffee and cakes, which we sat and eat looking out at the replica of The Golden Hind.

The London Dungeon is well worth a visit, The Clink Museum is interesting and informative but is unlikely to keep you interested for very long, one to slot in if you are passing it by perhaps on your way to Shakespeare's Globe or the Tate Modern which are a few minutes walk further down the river.  An enjoyable  and mildly scary day out for us!!!!

Ciao

Sue

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Reading challenge 14/16 - currently reading If I Was by Midge Ure