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England > London > The Strand and The Embankment

Click on the headings to find out more: The Strand, connecting Westminster to the City is now the home of many of the High Commissions, however, it used to be the home of many fabulous riverside mansions and music halls. A few theatres are still to be found, but it is just not the same since the Victorians decided that they needed to build a new road to relieve traffic congestion on the Strand, (if only they could see it now), and create a riverside walk, the Victoria Embankment. Many river cruise companies are berthed in this area under the shadow of the famous Cleopatra's Needle, which was presented to this country by the Turkish viceroy of Egypt in 1819, (how come he thought it was his to give??) Cleopatra's Needle is a misnomer as it is one of a pair of granite obelisks erected in Heliopolis in 1475 BC, which was taken by Emperor Augustus to Alexandria fifteen years after Cleopatra's suicide. It's matching mate is in New York's Central Park.


The Benjamin Franklin House, located at 36 Craven Street is being lovingly restored with funds raised by the Friends of Benjamin Franklin House. The famous scientist, who helped draft the Declaration of Independence and frame the Constitution, lived in these "genteel lodgings" (Franklin's words) between 1757 and 1775, except for a business trip back to Pennsylvania between 1762 and 1764. This unique building served as the first de facto American Embassy and is certain to become a special place to visit.


Back to the Strand, a truly unique building is Somerset House, which was originally a Tudor palace, built in 1547 for the Duke of Somerset. Sadly it fell into disrepair and was demolished to make way for the present building designed by Sir William Chambers in 1776. Originally used as public offices, including the Navy Board, the original General Registry Office, (for birth, marriage and death records) and the Principal Probate Registry (for wills), it now houses the most wonderful art collections; the Gilbert Collection, the Hermitage Rooms, featuring changing exhibits from the Hermitage Museum in St.Petersburg and the Courtauld collection. Each year since 2000 the courtyard is transformed into a winter wonderland for 8 weeks, (December and January). This spectacular setting is home to an ice-skating rink, open to the public to enjoy and take a step back in time.
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