London - Lambeth

County Hall, a nine-story building with more than 1,500 rooms, occupying a 6.5-acre site on the south bank of the Thames at the end of Westminster Bridge, was the headquarters of the Greater London Council until its abolition in 1986, when local government was vested in the London boroughs. The building, in neo-Renaissance style, was begun in 1912 and completed in 1932. New wings were added in 1936 and 1956. There is a good view of County Hall, with its 250 m-long (750ft) facade, centered on a semicircular colonnade, and its steeply pitched roof, from the Victoria Embankment on the opposite side of the Thames.

The building has been renovated and developed, now housing the London Marriott County Hall, London Aquarium, Dali Universe, and Namco Station, as well as restaurants.

East Street Market is open every day except Monday, but is best on Sundays when almost all the stalls are open. People flood in here from all over. At the market visitors will find, new clothing, appliances, music, jewelry, bags, shoes, cosmetics, as well as fruits and vegetables. There are also seasonal items throughout the year, including Christmas.

The East Street Market has been around since the 1880s but trade on this street has taken place since the 16th Century. It is one of the oldest markets in London.

Florence Nightingale became famous for caring for British troops during the Crimean War. The Florence Nightingale Museum displays items that she owned, items related to the Crimean War, and materials from the Nightingale School and St. Thomas' Hospital. The museum's collection also includes portraits of Florence Nightingale, archives, and a library collection.

Overall the Florence Nightingale Museum is very organized and well laid out. It would be of interest to anyone with some knowledge on the subject or looking to learn more and about this woman and her contributions to the Crimean War.

The Jubilee Gardens, established in 1977 for the Queen's Silver Jubilee, join County Hall to the north. A memorial honors the British members of the International Brigade in the Spanish Civil War.

The gardens themselves are rather plain compared to others in London. Concerts and other events are sometimes held in Jubilee Gardens during the summer months. The London Eye stands next to the gardens.

Redevelopment of the area is planned and visitors may see changes to the Jubilee Garden, but the hope is that the park will remain a green space for all to enjoy.

In the southern part of Lambeth is the 12th C Lambeth Palace, for over 700 years the London residence of the Archbishops of Canterbury. Every ten years the Lambeth Conference of Anglican Bishops is held in the Great Hall of the palace.

The Lambeth Palace usually appreciated from the exterior as it is usually closed to the public unless a tour has been arranged in advance. The gardens however are sometimes accessible.

The most familiar riverside sight associated with the palace is the Tudor gatehouse which dates from 1485.

The Museum of Garden History is housed in a mansion on the Thames.

One of the highlights is a replica 17th century formal garden. This is really a musum for serious gardeners and unlikely to overly impress those with little knowledge on the subject, particularly if they have already visited some of the larger gardens in London.

Also at the The Garden Museum lie the tombs of the two John Tradescants who were both gardeners for Charles I. Admiral Bligh (Captain Bligh) of the "Bounty" is also buried on the grounds. Visitors can purchase a variety of plants and seeds.