On Sunday, we walked along the River Thames with Edith and Olivier, taking a river taxi to Tower Bridge, crossing the river and admiring the London skyline. 

The history of London’s tall structures begins with the construction of the Tower of London’s White Tower. When it was completed in 1310, St. Paul’s Cathedral was the tallest building in the world.  Today’s skyline, with its contrast of medieval and modern architecture, is a delight to photograph. The fortress of London Tower is in the foreground with its White Tower built by William the Conquerer in 1078. The fortress functioned, in part, as a prison from 1100 until 1952. 

Behind the stone walls of the fortress, in the background, are some of London’s iconic steel and glass skyscrapers. Among them is the “Walkie Talkie,” named for its appearance. Once erected, the building’s parabolic shape focused the sun’s rays on objects below, including parked cars, damaging and even melting some. Oops. Another distinctive shape in the jumble of tall structures is one nicknamed “The Gherkin.”

The other side of the river features, “The Shard,” the tallest building in the UK and in the European Union, a skyscraper nicknamed “The Vase,” and the London City Hall. In the distance is Parliament, Big Ben (now covered in scaffolding) and numerous cranes towering over new projects that will add to (or perhaps detract from) the London skyline.

The quays along the Thames are as good for people-watching as for skyline views, and are lined with public art, shaded benches, and cafés. 

Below are some images from our walks along and over the Thames.