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Meat Phone, London

Red Telephone boxes at Smithfield meat market, London

London... Guarding the treasures of Her Majesty.

The Yeomen Warders of Her Majesty's Royal Palace and Fortress the Tower of London, popularly known as the Beefeaters, are ceremonial guardians of the Tower of London. In principle they are responsible for looking after any prisoners at the Tower and safeguarding the British crown jewels, but in practice they act as tour guides and are a tourist attraction in their own right, a point the Yeoman Warders acknowledge...

The name Beefeater is of uncertain origin, with various proposed derivations. The most likely is considered to be the Wardens' payment in rations that included beef, as well as mutton and veal, and various historical commentators have noted a preference for beef among the Wardens and the Yeomen of the Guard. Count Cosimo, grand duke of Tuscany, visited the Tower in 1669 and commented "A very large ration of beef is given to them daily at court...that they might be called Beef-eaters" It has been suggested that beefeaters were privileged with a ration of beef from the King's table.

London's Moving History

For bus enthusiasts Thrash Merchant, Hamstargirl, one42ChrisP, Esoteric Desi, MarkusGL1, Kevin R Boyd, Claire Pendrous, Arthur156, Gen Gibson, Micael Lindgren and particularly MeAtHome, who is a Routemaster fan.

Also for London cab fans DavidStorey and Cabert!

London must be one of the very few cities in the world where its transport is a critical part of its image. The black taxicabs, red double-deckers and the London Underground are amongst the first things that anyone would think of when London is mentioned.

A Metrocab (?) [author's correction: FX4] and AEC Rouemaster RM1968 on Fleet Street.

Does the licence plate ALD968B (matching the registration RM1968) mean that this bus is based in the Aldwych depot?

London is the largest urban area and the capital of England and the United Kingdom. An important settlement for two millennia, London's history goes back to its founding by the Romans. Since its settlement, London has been part of many important movements and phenomena throughout history, such as the English Renaissance, the Industrial Revolution, and the Gothic Revival. The city's core, the ancient City of London, still retains its limited medieval boundaries; but since at least the 19th century the name "London" has also referred to the whole metropolis which has developed around it. Today the bulk of this conurbation forms the London region of England and the Greater London administrative area, with its own elected mayor and assembly.

London is one of the world's leading business, financial, and cultural centres, and its influence in politics, education, entertainment, media, fashion and the arts all contribute to its status as a major global city. London boasts four World Heritage Sites: The Palace of Westminster, Westminster Abbey and St. Margaret's Church; the Tower of London; the historic settlement of Greenwich; and the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. The city is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, and its popularity has increased over the years due to economic growth.

London's diverse population draws from a wide range of peoples, cultures, and religions, and over 300 languages are spoken within the city. As of 2006, it has an official population of 7,512,400 within the boundaries of Greater London and is the most populous municipality in the European Union. As of 2001, the Greater London Urban Area has a population of 8,278,251 and the metropolitan area is estimated to have a total population of between 12 and 14 million.
The 2012 Summer Olympic Games will be held in London from 27 July to 12 August 2012, followed by the 2012 Paralympic Games from 29 August to 9 September. I hope this aerial photos of London will help you during your stay in this beautiful metropolis!

Not a Google Map - Central London

Central London from a regular flight. Original size worthwhile looking at ! Taken with a Canon S40 - 117 mm zoom only. Some croping and sharpening

London Eye on Easter Sunday

Easter Sunday in London started with light snow in the morning and ended with dry but god damn cold weather. My hands were frozen when I took this shot. Because of that, I didn't stay any longer to take any better shot of this stunning view. It's a shame but I will come again and conquer this great view of London Eye with my camera!!