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  4^th August 2010
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  17^th August 2010
• Past Visits

London Society Visits

Here is the list of visits that the Society has arranged.

2 Willow Road (Saturday 27^th August 2005)

We will see a video and then the Modernist house which was designed and furnished in 1939 by Erno Goldfinger, and contains both British and European C20th paintings.
Note: there are no toilet facilities but the local pub allows use of its facilities. There are many stairs to the upper floors.

5 St Regis Close (Tuesday 4^th September 2007)

This “Back Garden of the Year” is much featured on TV gardening programmes and has sculpture in addition to its wonderful plant collection.

5 St Regis Close. The Society's Summer Party. (Saturday 3^rd July 2010)

This Back Garden of the Year is much featured on TV gardening programmes and has sculpture in addition to its wonderful plant collection.

Albert Memorial (Saturday 17^th May 2008)

We will have a detailed tour round the memorial.

Annual General Meeting (Wednesday 29^th June 2005)

This will be an opportunity to see the Group’s Robert Adam building and to hear about the work the Group does in defending Georgian buildings against demolition, damage and decay.

Annual General Meeting (Tuesday 1^st July 2008)

The Society's Annual General Meeting. The building is now used by Interchange and a representative will give a talk about their work.

Apothecaries' Hall (Friday 24^th March 2006)

We will have a guided tour of the oldest extant livery company Hall in the City. The Great Hall, Court Room and Parlour remain as rebuilt between 1668 and 1670 after the Great Fire.

Apsley House (Thursday 7^th October 2004)

We will have a guided tour of the Duke of Wellington's town house, No 1 London, and see the sumptuous interior, the collection of paintings, porcelain, silver, sculpture, furniture, medals and memorabilia.

Bank of England Museum (Thursday 12^th May 2005)

There will be an audio-visual presentation and an opportunity to see the exhibits afterwards.

Barnard’s Inn Hall at Gresham College (Thursday 8^th June 2006)

This will be the venue for the Society’s annual Banister Fletcher Lecture which will be given this year by Elizabeth Williamson, Architectural Editor of the Victoria County History, and entitled “From World’s End to Westminster: Along the river with the Victoria County History”.
At the conclusion of the lecture there will be a wine reception and an opportunity to look at one of London’s lesser-known historic buildings.

Battle of Britain Operations Room (Tuesday 7^th March 2006)

11 (Fighter) Group HQ was based at Hillingdon House within the grounds of RAF Uxbridge. We will visit the underground Battle of Britain Ops Room which was built nearby and has now been fully restored as a museum. All visitors must show an ID (driving licence or passport). Meet at the Guardroom. Parking is available on-site but car registration number and names of driver and passengers must be notified in advance on the Booking Form.

Battle of Britain Operations Room (Thursday 16^th November 2006)

Another chance to visit 11 (Fighter) Group HQ based at Hillingdon House within the grounds of RAF Uxbridge. We will visit the underground Battle of Britain Ops Room built nearby and now fully restored as a museum.
All visitors must show an ID (driving licence or passport). Meet at the Guardroom. Parking is available on-site but car registration number and names of driver and passengers must be notified in advance on the Booking Form.

Benjamin Franklin House (Monday 27^th July 2009)

An architectural tour of the only remaining home of Benjamin Franklin built circa 1730, Grade 1 listed, which retains a majority of original features 'unimproved' over time. We will also see the Glass Armonica invented by Franklin

Bethlem Royal Hospital Archives and Museum (Thursday 7^th May 2009)

It was founded in 1247 as the priory of St Mary of Bethlehem; the site now covered by Liverpool Street Station. Bethlem Royal Hospital, the original ‘Bedlam’ - one of the world’s oldest hospitals for the treatment of mental illness, is now at Beckenham after being housed in other places.

Betjeman Society Poetry evening (Tuesday 8^th February 2005)

members are cordially invited to join the Betjeman Society in our now annual gathering. Bring some verse or prose if you wish - it need not be by Betjeman - or just come and enjoy listening to others read their personal choice.

Bevis Marks Synagogue (Monday 1^st March 2004)

The Spanish and Portuguese synagogue for Sephardic Jews, the oldest synagogue in England.

British Dental Association Museum (Monday 16^th January 2006)

Recently refurbished, this museum has over 30,000 objects concerned with various aspects of dentistry. We will have a guided tour but no practical demonstrations (!).

British Postal Museum and Archive (Tuesday 15^th January 2008)

This visit will consist of a PowerPoint introduction and a behind-the-scenes tour of the archive storage areas. There will be an opportunity to browse archive material in the Search Room.

British Postal Museum Store (Wednesday 12^th November 2008)

The home of the old Travelling Post Office sorting frames, mobile offices, red vans, letter boxes since they began and much more.

Buddhist Temple (Tuesday 28^th September 2004)

Come and see this peaceful place in this unlikely setting.

Burgh House (Thursday 7^th December 2006)

The London Society Christmas Party. Come and celebrate with us in this fascinating Grade 1 listed building built in 1704 and now the home of the Hampstead Museum.

Campanology - A Hidden Art (Tuesday 9^th November 2004)

Lecture by John Thorpe entitled "Campanology - A Hidden Art": bell ringing in London.

Carshalton Water Tower and Historic Garden (Tuesday 8^th June 2010)

Built in the 18th century and grade ll listed, the Tower contains a suite of rooms, the Bagnio, Saloon, an Orangery where there are special items on view and the remains of a waterwheel. The garden has a folly and Hermitage.

Charles & Mary Lamb's Cottage (Tuesday 11^th March 2008)

Seventeenth century timber framed house with an eighteenth century facade. All Saints Church where both Lambs are buried is just past the cottage.

Charles & Mary Lamb's Cottage (Tuesday 11^th March 2008)

Seventeenth century timber framed house with an eighteenth century facade. All Saints Church where both Lambs are buried is just past the cottage.

Charlton House (Tuesday 26^th August 2008)

Situated in Charlton Park, at The Village/Hornfair Road end, Charlton House is the finest and best preserved Jacobean mansion in the London area. The design is attributed to John Thorpe, one of the earliest known British architects, c1560-1620. The House was built between 1607-12 for Sir Adam Newton, Dean of Durham and tutor to Prince Henry, the son of James I and older brother of the future Charles I, who continued in a series of royal appointments until he died in 1629. The House is now used as a community and conference centre and is not open to the public.

Charterhouse (Wednesday 27^th July 2005)

A long-awaited opportunity to visit this ancient place.

Chelsea Football Club Stadium (Wednesday 9^th September 2009)

We will have a tour of the Dressing Rooms, the Tunnel, the Press Room, the Dug Outs, Pitch Side and the Museum.

Chiswick House (Thursday 5^th March 2009)

This is one of the best examples in the country of 18th Century Palladian architecture, designed by William Kent for the third Earl of Burlington who was inspired on his grand tour by the architecture of ancient Rome and 16th century Italy. The visit cost includes a guided tour and refreshments. There will be an additional charge of £3.40 if you are not a member of English Heritage, which you can pay on entry. English Heritage members do not pay this charge.

Christ Church Spitalfields (Tuesday 19^th April 2005)

We will have a guided tour of this recently-restored 1729 Hawksmoor church.

City of Westminster Archives Centre (Tuesday 1^st November 2005)

We will have a talk by Alison Kenny entitled The Manor of Ebury - the role of the Grosvenor Estate in the development of Belgravia and Pimlico. The talk will illustrate the development of Belgravia and Pimlico from market gardens and marshes to fashionable squares and terraces, with a selection of maps and prints from the City of Westminster Archives Centre.

Clarence House (Thursday 31^st August 2006)

The Royal residence variously the home of William IV, the late Queen Mother and the Prince of Wales. We will have a guided tour of the five rooms where official engagements take place.

Clarence House (Thursday 31^st August 2006)

The Royal residence variously the home of William IV, the late Queen Mother and the Prince of Wales. We will have a guided tour of the five rooms where official engagements take place.

Clothworkers’ Hall, Dunster Court (Friday 16^th June 2006)

The Fullers and the Shearmen combined to form the Clothworkers’ Company in 1528, one of the “Great Twelve”. Samuel Pepys was Master in 1677-8. The Company’s treasures include 18th century tapestries and newly commissioned plate.

Cutlers' Hall (Tuesday 7^th April 2009)

Originally mentioned in 1285 as being on or near the site of the present Mercers’ Hall, this is the earliest recorded regular meeting place of the Cutlers. By the 15th Century, the Cutlers were settled in a building ‘next to the tenement formerly belonging to the famous Richard Whityngton, sometime Mayor’ in Cloak Lane (by Cannon St. Station). The building was variously repaired and burnt down in 1666 and the Second World War, so the present Hall now stands in Warwick Lane.

Danson House (Tuesday 2^nd October 2007)

Built circa 1766 by John Boyd and Robert Taylor to reflect the Golden Age of antiquity. In the C20th the house fell into an almost ruinous state and in 1995 English Heritage began ten years of restoration. The house won the Georgian Group National Award in 2004 and was formally opened by Her Majesty the Queen in 2005. The grounds were restored in 2006.

Debenham House (Friday 11^th March 2005)

Grade 1 listed, built in 1906, designed by Halsy Ricardo, this house is a mixture of the Arts and Crafts movement, neo-classical and Byzantine styles. Not to be missed.

Debenham House (Thursday 7^th July 2005)

We have been fortunate to be able to have a second visit: it is highly unlikely there will be another. Grade 1 listed, built in 1906, designed by Halsey Ricardo, this house is a mixture of the Arts and Crafts movement, neo-classical and Byzantine styles: not to be missed.

Debenham House (Thursday 28^th September 2006)

We have been fortunate to be able to have another visit. It is highly unlikely there will be another. Grade 1 listed, built in 1906, designed by Halsey Ricardo, this house is a mixture of the Arts and Crafts movement, neo-classical and Byzantine styles.

Debenham House (Thursday 22^nd March 2007)

Another chance to visit this Grade 1 listed building. Built in 1906 to a design by Halsey Ricardo this house is a mixture of the Arts and Crafts movement, neo-classical and Byzantine styles.

Denis Severs' House (Monday 8^th December 2003)

A repeat of this popular visit.
There will be a short introduction outside (inside if wet) before we step back in time and experience American-born Severs' C18th house which gives the impression that the occupants have just slipped out for a moment.

Dr Johnson's House (Monday 12^th January 2004)

See where Dr. Johnson lived with his cat Hodge, entertained the famous of his day and wrote his famous Dictionary. The current exhibition which examines the medical experiences of Johnson and his circle can be seen.

Dr Johnson's House (Tuesday 23^rd February 2010)

Built in 1700, the House is one of the few residential house of its age still surviving in the City of London. It was a home and workplace for Samuel Johnson from 1748-1759,and it was here that he compiled the first comprehensive dictionary.

Dulwich Picture Gallery (Friday 16^th April 2004)

A tour of the Gallery (England's oldest public picture gallery) and a chance to see the Crystal Palace Exhibition (£3.00 extra, payable on the day) which celebrates the 150th anniversary of the completion of the Crystal Palace at Sydenham.

Durning-Lawrence Library (Tuesday 7^th February 2006)

Our annual poetry reading evening held jointly with the Betjeman Society. Bring some prose or verse if you wish, it needn’t be Betjeman, or just come along and enjoy others reading their choice.

Durning-Lawrence Library (Tuesday 6^th March 2007)

The annual poetry reading evening held jointly with the Betjeman Society. Bring some prose or verse if you wish, it needn’t be Betjeman, or just come along and enjoy listening to others reading their choice. Wine or juice will be served.

Eastbury Manor House (Tuesday 21^st June 2005)

This is an Elizabethan manor house with C17th wall paintings, bee holes in the walled garden and said to be the place where the Gunpowder Treason Plot was hatched.

Eastbury Manor House, Barking. The Society's AGM. (Tuesday 22^nd June 2010)

An important brick-built Tudor gentry house, completed about 1573, little altered since. Early 17th-century wall-paintings showing fishing scenes and a cityscape in the Great Chamber. Fine original spiral oak staircase in turret, soaring chimneys, cobbled courtyard, peaceful walled garden with bee boles. Said to be where the Gunpowder Plot was hatched.

Eltham Palace (Tuesday 4^th April 2006)

Eltham Palace is a fascinating combination of a luxurious Art Deco home and an important medieval royal palace. The £6.80 booking charge covers the cost of a guided tour and a cream tea but not the cost of admission. If you are a member of English Heritage or the National Art Collection Fund there is no further charge for admission (bring your membership card/s); but if you are not a member admission costs an extra £4.85, payable on the day. Parking is available in the Eltham Palace car park (sign-posted off Court Road) but please do not park in Court Yard or nearby streets.

Emery Walker House (Friday 4^th May 2007)

An opportunity to see the home of the man who was printer, antiquary, mentor of William Morris and a leader of the Arts and Crafts movement. The house contains the furnishings of Emery Walker, furniture and glass by Philip Webb, hangings from Morris’s home, textiles by May Morris and much more.

Emery Walker House (Friday 4^th May 2007)

An opportunity to see the home of the man who was printer, antiquary, mentor of William Morris and a leader of the Arts and Crafts movement. The house contains the furnishings of Emery Walker, furniture and glass by Philip Webb, hangings from Morris’s home, textiles by May Morris and much more.

Emery Walker House (Friday 4^th May 2007)

An opportunity to see the home of the man who was printer, antiquary, mentor of William Morris and a leader of the Arts and Crafts movement. The house contains the furnishings of Emery Walker, furniture and glass by Philip Webb, hangings from Morris’s home, textiles by May Morris and much more.

Fishmongers’ Hall (Tuesday 3^rd October 2006)

One of the Twelve Great Livery companies, the Fishmongers' Company has been established since before the thirteenth century. The Hall has seen its rebuildings, but still retains the Company’s many treasures.

Foundling Museum (Tuesday 5^th April 2005)

The newly refurbished museum shows the history of the Foundling Hospital, its founder Thomas Coram and his friends William Hogarth and George Frederick Handel. The painting collection led to the formation of the Royal Academy of Arts in 1768.

Fulham Palace Museum (Tuesday 26^th October 2004)

Meet in the Tudor Courtyard. We will then see the gardens, Chapel, and subject to availability, the Drawing Room, Great Hall and Bishop's Study, Bishop Sherlock's Dining Room and the Museum. The tour will take approximately 2 hours. Part of the tour is outdoors so please dress appropriately.

Garrick Club (Tuesday 4^th May 2004)

A chance to see behind the scenes at this famous club whose distinguished members are too numerous to mention individually.

Goldsmiths' Hall (Monday 14^th February 2005)

We will have a guided tour of the Hall and an opportunity to see the fabulous treasures on this very difficult-to-come-by visit.

Goldsmiths' Hall (Monday 9^th January 2006)

On this very-difficult-to-come-by visit we will have a guided tour and an opportunity to see the treasures of this “urban palazzo”.

Goldsmiths’ Hall (Monday 12^th February 2007)

Another chance to have a guided tour of this urban palazzo and its fabulous treasures. The Goldsmiths’ Company has been on this site since 1339 and the present Hall, by Philip Hardwick, has stood here since the 1820s.

Government Art Collection (Wednesday 17^th May 2006)

The Government Art Collection is part of the Department for Culture, Media and Sport. It selects and places works of art from the Collection in British Government buildings in the United Kingdom and around the world. There will be a general introduction to the history and work of the Collection and we will be able to see a selection of the work. The organisation’s operational side, workshop and storage facilities will be seen and we will be able to quiz the guide about the work of the Collection.
The authorities are anxious that the location of the Collection is not publicised. Successful applicants for this visit will be sent the address of the Collection, and a map, with their acknowledgement form. Please do not publish the address of the Collection.

Government Art Collection (Wednesday 21^st March 2007)

The Government Art Collection, part of the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, selects and places works of art in British Government buildings in the United Kingdom and around the world. There will be a general introduction to the history and work of the Collection and we will be able to view a selection of the works. The organisation’s operational side, workshop and storage facilities will be seen and the guide will answer any questions you may have.
The authorities are anxious that the location of the Collection is not publicised. Successful applicants for this visit will be sent the address of the Collection, and a map, with their acknowledgement form. Please do not publish the address of the Collection.

Government Art Collection (Wednesday 9^th April 2008)

Another chance to visit the collection which serves government offices in the UK and embassies abroad. The Collection is in Central London but the authorities are anxious that the address is not publicised. If you are allocated a place you will be sent a map.

Government Art Collection (Tuesday 7^th July 2009)

Another chance to visit the collection which serves government offices in the UK and embassies abroad.

Government Art Collection (Tuesday 18^th May 2010)

Another chance to visit the collection which serves government offices in the UK and embassies abroad. The collection is in Central London but the authorities are anxious that the address is not publicised. If you are allocated a place you will be sent a map.

Guards Chapel (Tuesday 10^th February 2009)

The chapel opened for worship in 1838 and was destroyed by bombing in 1944 when the six silver candlesticks and the cross, still used today, were in use but were unmoved by the explosion. The candles remained burning after the chapel had crashed in ruins. The chapel was rebuilt and re-opened in 1963.

Headstone Manor (Friday 7^th August 2009)

Built circa 1310 this moated manor house is the earliest surviving timber framed house in Middlesex. Described as 'one of the most interesting domestic complexes in the whole country' the building contains examples of high quality work dating from the 14th, 17th and 18th centuries. Grade 1 listed. We will have a tour of the building and a cream tea (included in the cost).

Hogarth’s House (Thursday 14^th June 2007)

The country home of the great painter, engraver and satirist from 1749 until his death in 1764. We will have a guided tour which will include taking shade under Hogarth’s 300 year old mulberry tree.

House of St Barnabas-in-Soho and Chapel (Wednesday 7^th April 2010)

Grade I listed Georgian townhouse. We will see the chapel and other parts of the house as available as it is a working building. There will also be a short guided walk around the immediate area.

Hunterian Museum (Wednesday 8^th August 2007)

Founded on the collection of John Hunter, Serjeant-Surgeon to George III, the Hunterian Museum has recently undergone a £3.2 million redevelopment to enable visitors to share the wealth of material that has been a source of inspiration to surgeons, scientists and artists for over 200 years.

Inns Of Court & City Yeomanry Museum (Tuesday 20^th June 2006)

We will have a guided tour of the exhibition which covers almost two centuries of the combined history of the Inns of Court Regiment (The Devil’s Own) and the City of London Yeomanry (The Rough Riders), and contains what is believed to be the only complete set of drums from the Napoleonic period.

Ismaili Centre, South Kensington (Tuesday 27^th July 2010)

The cultural and religious centre for UK Ismaili Muslims. We will see the building and much-praised garden.

John Madejski Fine Rooms (Monday 9^th August 2004)

We will have a guided tour round the John Madejski Fine Rooms which have been restored to “town palace” status after having been closed for over 200 years and which will be used for displaying the Academy’s collection.

Keats’ House (Thursday 27^th May 2010)

For two years this Regency house was the home of the poet where he wrote some of his best known works. The house was built in 1816 and is next door to that of the Brawne family with whose daughter Fanny, Keats fell in love. The house was opened to the public in 1925 and retains much of its character as Keats knew it.

Kensington Palace State Apartments (Tuesday 6^th December 2005)

We will have a guided tour of the State Apartments, visit the current exhibition of Mario Testino’s photographs of the late Princess Diana and her dresses, and visit Number 1A Kensington Palace, “from courtiers’ lodgings to royal home”, formerly part of the late Princess Margaret’s apartment.
The Orangery restaurant, for which you are advised to book as it gets rather full, serves lunch and refreshments.

Kenwood (Tuesday 12^th May 2009)

Bought by the brewing magnate, E.C. Guinness, later Lord Iveagh, Kenwood was bequeathed to the nation after his death in 1927 and houses a splendid art collection. The grounds, laid out by Repton, have splendid views over the whole of London.

Laban Centre for Contemporary Dance (Thursday 13^th October 2005)

This building by Herzog & de Meuron has won many prizes for its innovative design and decor.

London Coliseum (Tuesday 13^th January 2009)

Backstage tour of the home of the English National Opera.

London Coliseum (Thursday 30^th April 2009)

This is a repeat of the previously oversubscribed backstage tour of the home of the English National Opera. (We will see what is available on the stage and front of house as this is a working theatre where construction and rehearsals take place.)

London Fire Brigade Museum (Thursday 23^rd October 2008)

An opportunity to see how firefighting has developed over the last 340 years.

London Glass Blowing Workshops (Tuesday 2^nd February 2010)

There will be demonstrations and an opportunity to see the gallery and to buy glass pieces. Situated opposite the Fashion and Textile Museum

London Glassblowing Workshop (Tuesday 17^th June 2008)

There will be demonstrations and an opportunity to see the gallery and to buy glass pieces.

London Sewing Machine Museum (Saturday 7^th November 2009)

See the collection of antique sewing machines dating from the 1850s and the machine given to Queen Victoria’s eldest daughter Victoria Adelaide Mary Louisa.

London Silver Vaults (Monday 9^th February 2004)

You can see Silverware of all kinds-for the house, corporate and presentation items, commissions, jewellery - in fact everything from pre-Georgian to modern pieces. There are shops where you can buy, commission. or just gaze.

London Society Christmas Party (Monday 28^th November 2005)

Come and make an early start on the celebrations and enjoy the usual delicious buffet and drinks.

Lord Chancellor's House (Thursday 15^th January 2004)

A further opportunity to see one of the most talked about interiors of our day. The last booking we have for this residence. Photography Prohibited. This visit replaces the cancelled one in October.

Lord’s Cricket Ground (Tuesday 23^rd January 2007)

Home of the MCC, Test Matches and all things Cricket.

Magic Lantern to Multiplex (Tuesday 11^th January 2005)

Lecture by Richard Gray entitled "Magic Lantern to Multiplex": a history of cinema architecture.

Mansion House (Tuesday 15^th June 2004)

A chance to see the Lord Mayor’s residence and reception rooms.

Middle Temple Hall and Chapel (Thursday 4^th October 2007)

Come and see the Tudor architecture, gardens and passages.

Morden College (Tuesday 4^th March 2008)

Built by the philanthropist Sir John Morden in 1695 to accommodate 'poor, honest, sober and discreet merchants who shall have lost their estates by accidents and perils of the seas, or by any other accidents, ways, or means in their honest endeavour to get their living by way of merchandising'. Built to a design sometimes attributed to Christopher Wren, it was largely carried out by Edward Strong, Wren's master mason.

Mr Speaker's House (Monday 26^th April 2004)

Please arrive early in order to clear security and note that the Speaker's Procession is at 2.25 pm on this day, which it will possible to see.

Mr Speaker’s House (Tuesday 12^th July 2005)

Please arrive early to clear security and note that you can see the Speaker’s Procession which is at 11.25 am this day.

Mr Speaker’s House, House of Commons (Monday 10^th July 2006)

Meet at St Stephen’s Entrance. Please arrive early to clear security and watch the Speaker’s Procession which takes place at 2.25 pm.
This is the only visit possible this year as organisations are allocated only one visit per year.

Museum of Brands, Packaging and Advertising (Thursday 11^th January 2007)

This will be a nostalgia trip seeing remembered products, former packaging and audio-visual displays.

Musical Museum (Tuesday 6^th May 2008)

The extensive collection, now rehoused in a new building, contains both traditional and automatic instruments.

Mystery Slide Evening (Monday 5^th November 2007)

Come for a tour of London whilst sitting comfortably in this pleasant venue. We have a recent gift to add to the Society’s collection of slides. We cannot identify some items in our collection. Positive recognitions will qualify for your money back.

Normansfield Theatre (Tuesday 5^th February 2008)

In 1868 Dr John Langdon Down built a beautiful theatre and encouraged his patients to learn music and drama as part of their rehabilitation. This Grade 2* listed building still retains many original features and scenery. We will have a talk, tour of the building and tea/coffee.

Old Operating Theatre and Herb Garret (Thursday 4^th September 2008)

When St Thomas's Church was rebuilt in 1703 it had an unusually large Garret in the roof space. This was used by the St Thomas's Apothecary to store and cure herbs. Later, it became the women's operating theatre and now it's the museum which we will see, along with a presentation on the history of the Surgery.

Old Palace Croydon (Saturday 27^th October 2007)

Seat of the Archbishop of Canterbury since 871. We will see the C15th buildings including the Banqueting Hall, Guardroom, Norman undercroft, Elizabeth 1’s bedroom and the oldest Long Gallery.

Old Royal Naval College (Saturday 29^th October 2005)

The Old Royal Naval College is the great baroque masterpiece of English architecture. We will have a guided tour, a talk by a Pensioner and an opportunity to view the Nelson Exhibition.

Oswald Stoll Foundation (Tuesday 22^nd March 2005)

Established by the theatre owner, an impressive housing settlement for ex-soldiers. We will have an audio-visual presentation and a talk from the administrator.

Petrie Museum of Egyptian Archaeology (Tuesday 30^th September 2008)

The Museum houses an estimated 80,000 objects, illustrating life in the Nile Valley from prehistory through the time of the pharaohs, the Ptolemaic, Roman and Coptic periods to the Islamic era. The collection is full of 'firsts': linen from Egypt (about 5000 BC); two lions from the temple of Min at Koptos; a fragment from the first kinglist or calendar; the earliest example of metal - the first worked iron beads; the earliest example of glazing; the earliest 'cylinder seal' (about 3500 BC); the oldest wills; the oldest gynaecological and veterinary papyri, and the largest architectural drawing, showing a shrine (about 1300 BC).

Pitzhanger Manor House and Gallery (Tuesday 21^st August 2007)

Grade 1 listed country home of Sir John Soane. Following its completion in 1804 the Soanes used Pitzhanger Manor House as a weekend retreat. It also accommodated a collection of paintings, books, architectural drawings and fragments and even had Roman ruins in the grounds.

Poetry Evening (Tuesday 9^th March 2004)

Members are cordially invited to join the Betjeman Society in our now annual gathering. Bring some verse or prose if you wish to - it need not be by Betjeman - or just come and enjoy listening to others read their personal choice.

Pub Crawl from Smithfield to the Royal Courts of Justice (Monday 5^th October 2009)

Dr Geoff Brandwood will lead us to several pubs of historic interest, including some with features such as inter-war refitting and Art Nouveau tiling and one which was formerly a bank.

Pub Crawl from Smithfield to the Royal Courts of Justice (Monday 22^nd March 2010)

Another chance to join Dr Geoff Brandwood on this crawl which includes several pubs of historic interest, including some with features such as inter-war refitting and Art Nouveau tiling and one which was formerly a bank.

Queen Elizabeth's Hunting Lodge (Tuesday 14^th October 2008)

Built with a timber frame in 1543 for Henry VIII, it was used as a grandstand to watch deer hunting or for shooting. Queen Elizabeth l is said to have rode her horse up the stairs with which there are problems. No refreshments will be available, but there is a pub nearby and Butlers Retreat, a 19th century barn used as a café, may be open.

Red House (Wednesday 15^th September 2004)

Pay £5.00 individually on entry (National Trust members free with membership card).
Designed as a whole house and garden project, and William Morris's first home, this was where he experimented with his famous style before it went public. It is presently as the previous owners left it in 2003 with just the original built-in furniture and all the stained glass. The tour takes 1¼ hours.

Red House (Wednesday 15^th September 2004)

Pay £5.00 individually on entry (National Trust members free with membership card).
Designed as a whole house and garden project, and William Morris's first home, this was where he experimented with his famous style before it went public. It is presently as the previous owners left it in 2003 with just the original built-in furniture and all the stained glass. The tour takes 1¼ hours.

Reform Club (Thursday 15^th March 2007)

A grade 1 listed building with a stunning Victorian interior frequented by politicians and lawyers.

Roger Woodley Lecture (Monday 26^th January 2004)

Member, architectural historian and writer of London guide books, Roger Woodley will lecture on updating "The Blue Guide".

Royal Academy of Music Museum (Tuesday 20^th October 2009)

We will have a tour and see the instruments, images and documents which detail the academy’s activities and catch whatever musical happenings are going on.

Royal Albert Hall (Saturday 14^th October 2006)

We will have a guided tour of this iconic, recently refurbished building. Highlights of the tour include the breathtaking auditorium and exclusive access to the Royal Retiring Room. As the Hall is a working venue each tour is unique and may include opportunities to see rehearsals or the technical preparations for a show. Our party will be divided into three separate groups of fifteen, each setting out on its tour one after the other. Meet inside the South Porch at Door 12.

Royal British Legion Poppy Factory and Museum (Monday 22^nd March 2004)

See the factory where employees with disabilities work all year round to make the poppies and wreaths for each November.

Royal Courts of Justice (Tuesday 5^th December 2006)

We will have a conducted tour of this awe-inspiring building designed by George Edmund Street and opened by Queen Victoria in December 1882, which now houses the High Court of Justice and the Court of Appeal.

Royal Courts of Justice (Monday 2^nd July 2007)

Another chance to have a conducted tour of this awe-inspiring building which houses the High Court of Justice and the Court of Appeal.

Royal Foundation of St Katherine (Saturday 27^th June 2009)

The Society's summer party. Founded in 1147 by Queen Matilda as a religious community and hospital for poor people next to the Tower of London. In 1273 Queen Eleanor granted a new Charter reserving the Foundation's patronage to the Queens of England. In 1825 the Foundation's land was acquired for St Katherine's Dock and it moved to a site in Regent's Park as a residential almshouse. It moved back to to the East End in 1948 as a retreat centre located on the site of a bombed-out church. The buildings were modernised and expanded in 2002 to offer wider hospitality facilities but some of the rooms in the original Clergy House are suitably grand in the traditional Georgian style. We will have a delicious buffet and drinks - hopefully in the garden depending on the weather.

Royal Hospital Chelsea (Thursday 25^th November 2004)

Come and see where the famous Chelsea Pensioners live in Wren's magnificent building. Particular care will be needed on the steps to the Great Hall and to the Chapel.

Royal London Hospital Museum and Archives (Thursday 24^th January 2008)

Founded in 1740, “The London” became Britain’s largest voluntary hospital. The museum is in the crypt of the former Hospital Church. Exhibits feature dentistry, surgery, paediatrics, nursing, the NHS, helicopter ambulance, x-rays and uniforms. The lives and works of individuals like Edith Cavell, Eva Luckes, Sydney Holland and Joseph Merrick (the Elephant Man) are also featured.

Royal Opera House (Tuesday 25^th April 2006)

We will have a backstage tour. Each tour is a unique experience and may include opportunities to see the Royal Ballet in class, or the magnificent backstage technology in operation.

Royal Opera House (Thursday 9^th November 2006)

We will have a backstage tour. Each tour is a unique experience and may include opportunities to see the Royal Ballet in class or the magnificent backstage technology in operation. If your application is successful you will be sent a Royal Opera House ticket which you must bring with you to go on the tour.

Royal Opera House (Saturday 21^st March 2009)

This visit is set at an earlier time so that we can take the Backstage Tour where more might be going on. It is an opportunity to visit the magnificent Royal Opera House, which, with its grand classical portico fronting Bow Street, is actually the third theatre built on the Covent Garden site.

Royal Opera House (Wednesday 12^th August 2009)

Another chance to go on the popular back-stage tour

Russian Orthodox Cathedral (Thursday 28^th February 2008)

Russian Orthodox Cathedral dedicated to the Adoration of the Virgin Mary
This small but beautiful cathedral has been built by the Russian Orthodox Church Abroad. The distinctive onion-shaped dome arrived ready to be painted blue with gold stars and was positioned on the roof to greet traffic coming into London on the nearby A4.

Saddlers’ Hall (Tuesday 16^th October 2007)

The present Hall, the Saddlers’ fourth, built between 1956/58, still stands, in part, on the site of the first Saddlers’ Hall built in C14th on a small portion of land between St Vedast’s Church and Gutter Lane. The first Hall was burnt down in 1666, rebuilt in 1670, burnt down in 1821, rebuilt and destroyed again by enemy action in 1940.

Salvation Army International HQ Building (Tuesday 27^th February 2007)

Modern in design. Frugal in operation. Evangelical in purpose. This recently completed crystal-clear six-storey building is set between St Paul’s Cathedral and the Millennium Bridge. If the building seems at odds with the Victorian image of the Sally Army it is the image that is at fault not the building.

Seaford House (Tuesday 15^th December 2009)

The house was built in 1842 by Philip Hardwick for a cost of £22,000 and was described by a writer of the day as "the largest and most magnificent house in the new square". The house conformed to the overall plan for Belgravia and included a stableyard, coachhouse, grooms' quarters and an octagonal clock tower. It now houses the Royal College of Defence Studies.

Sherlock Holmes Walk (Tuesday 5^th August 2008)

London Society member Mr MC Black will guide us and the tour will end in Holborn.

Sir John Soane's Museum (Thursday 5^th February 2004)

Architect of the Bank of England, Sir John Soane lived in the house and amassed his amazing collection of antiquities, sculpture, paintings, drawings and books amongst which are Hogarth originals and the sarcophagus of Seti 1 dating from 1290BC.
We will have an introductory talk and the opportunity to view the collection as we wish.

St Augustine's Church and St Mary Magdalene (Tuesday 23^rd September 2008)

Sometimes known as the 'Cathedral of North London' because of its size and grandeur, St Augustine's owes its foundations to the inspiration of the 19th century 'Oxford' or 'Tractarian' Movement. Architect John Loughborough Pearson was inspired by Albi Cathedral in southern France and St Etienne at Caen, with their soaring gothic architecture. Frank Kelsall, our chairman, will show us round.

St Bride’s Church (Thursday 4^th May 2006)

Brian Chappell, London Society member and long-term Clerk to the church, will show us round and tell us about the ancient remains from various centuries.

St Bride’s Church (Tuesday 8^th May 2007)

Brian Chappell, London Society member and long-term Clerk to the church will show us round and tell us about the ancient remains from many centuries.

St George's German Lutheran Church (Wednesday 7^th September 2005)

Newly restored and re-opened last year, come and look round before Open House. There will be an Organ Recital at 1.00 pm after which you can stay on and see the building which is also the headquarters of the Historic Chapels Trust.

St George's German Lutheran Church (Thursday 25^th June 2009)

The Society's AGM. St George's German Lutheran Church is now the headquarters of the Historic Chapels Trust. Built in 1762 founded by Dieter Beckman a wealthy German sugar refiner living in Whitechapel, East London. It was used by the German Lutheran community in London (which numbered 16,000 at its height in the 19th century). It is now the only remaining Lutheran Church in England. We will enjoy hearing the organ, complete the business of the meeting and enjoy refreshments and drinks.

St Mary Aldermary Church (Wednesday 4^th July 2007)

The Society’s Annual General Meeting. Largely rebuilt by Wren after the Great Fire of 1666 and described by Pevsner as the most important late 17th century Gothic church in England.

St Olave Church (Thursday 28^th January 2010)

The church is one of the smallest in the City and one of only a handful of medieval City churches that escaped the Great Fire in 1666 thanks to the efforts of Sir William Penn, father of the more famous Penn who founded Pennsylvania. It is dedicated to the patron saint of Norway, King Olaf II of Norway, who fought alongside the Anglo-saxon King Ethelred the Unready at the Battle of London Bridge in 1014. Samuel Pepys is buried here and the pulpit is said to be the work of Grinling Gibbons.

Talk on Brookwood Cemetery and the Necropolis Railway (Monday 27^th February 2006)

We will receive an illustrated lecture entitled “Brookwood Cemetery and the Necropolis Railway” by John Clarke, author of the book on the subject.

The 2004 Banister Fletcher Lecture (Tuesday 18^th May 2004)

This years lecturer is Martin Stancliffe, Surveyor of the Fabric of St Paul's Cathedral and one of the most distinguished conservation architects in Great Britain. In the Cathedral's 1400th anniversary year there are major works of repair and refurbishment in progress. St Paul's is presently shrouded in scaffolding and the west front bears the largest photograph in London: we shall be privileged to have an inside view on what is going on behind.

The Annual General Meeting of the London Society (Wednesday 9^th June 2004)

After the meeting wine there will the opportunity to see books and other items from the Society of Antiquaries’ collections.

The Association of Anaesthetists Museum (Tuesday 16^th March 2010)

The anaesthesia heritage centre began with the donation of a collection of artefacts by A Charles King in the late 1950s. Later additions to the collections help to record the history of the development of anaesthesia and celebrate the people who contributed to it. 21 Portland Place is a Grade II* listed building.

The Banister Fletcher Lecture (Wednesday 1^st June 2005)

This year's lecturer is Margaret Richardson, currently curator at the Sir John Soane's Museum and the title of the Lecture will be "Lutyens in London".

The Charles Dickens Museum (Thursday 26^th February 2009)

The only surviving home of Dickens (from 1837 until 1839) was opened as a Museum in 1925. On four floors are paintings, rare editions, manuscripts, original furniture and many items relating to Dickens' life. There are plenty of steps, especially down to the Cellar.

The Clowns’ Museum (Tuesday 6^th July 2004)

We will have a talk about the history of clowning and see the collection of clown ephemera, painted pot eggs depicting the “slap” (facial make-up) of real clowns, pictures, photographs, “props” and artefacts, followed by tea and biscuits.

If you do not go to Liverpool Street Station often and come on this visit there is an interesting Kinderstransport exhibit on the forecourt of the Liverpool Street entrance to the station.

The De Morgan Centre (Tuesday 27^th September 2005)

The De Morgan Centre for the study of 19th century art and society is a permanent home for the work of William De Morgan the Victorian ceramic artist and his wife Evelyn the painter.

The Dissenters' Chapel (Saturday 31^st May 2008)

Predominantly a social occasion. Hopefully the weather will be pleasant and we can enjoy a delicious buffet, drinks and the scene. There will be tours of the Cemetery for those interested.

The Fan Museum (Thursday 15^th December 2005)

We will have a guided tour of the world’s only museum devoted to all aspects of the ancient art and craft of the fan, described as an architectural and artistic gem, and see the current temporary exhibition “Cool” - a selection of beautiful photographs from the V&A and the original fans in them.

The Faringdon Collection (Tuesday 7^th June 2005)

This is an opportunity to see Lord Faringdon’s house and London art collection.

The Garrick Club (Tuesday 22^nd November 2005)

Another chance to see behind the scenes of this famous club whose distinguished members are too numerous to mention individually.

The Garrick Club (Thursday 26^th April 2007)

Another chance to see behind the scenes at this famous club with so many illustrious members.

The Geological Society (Tuesday 4^th December 2007)

The Society’s annual Banister Fletcher Lecture, to be given by Ptolemy Dean and entitled Soane in London. Ptolemy Dean is an architect and historian. His work on historic buildings is known through his association with the BBC’s Restoration programmes and he has a special knowledge of Soane, first publishing a book on Soane’s country houses and, last year, a book with the title of this evening’s lecture.

The Geological Society (Thursday 10^th December 2009)

The Society's annual Banister Fletcher Lecture. The lecturer is Emily Cole who is in charge of the Blue Plaque Programme now run by English Heritage. She has just edited a sumptuous book about the plaques, published by Yale University Press, and her lecture will show how the scheme has developed over the last 140 years.

The Guildhall Art Gallery (Thursday 21^st June 2007)

We will have a guided tour of the Regent Street exhibition A Mile of Style and the Roman amphitheatre.

The London Society Christmas Party (Monday 13^th December 2004)

Come and begin the festive celebrations and enjoy the usual delicious finger buffet and drinks.

The National Archives (Public Record Office) (Monday 24^th May 2004)

Where documents from Doomsday Book to MI5 records are kept.

The Queen's House, Greenwich (Thursday 11^th June 2009)

We will have a guided tour of the first Palladian-style house in England (1635) designed by Inigo Jones for the Stuart Queens Anne of Denmark and Henrietta Maria

The Ragged School Museum (Thursday 20^th January 2005)

We will have a lecture from the Curator in the Victorian Schoolroom and see around the museum.

The Royal Artillery Museum (Tuesday 25^th July 2006)

Closed for years the Royal Arsenal is now open and shows the development of munitions and the personnel involved. We will view the “Firepower” exhibition beginning with a big screen introduction and a talk.

The Royal Society: Banister Fletcher Lecture (Wednesday 10^th December 2008)

The Society's annual Banister Fletcher Lecture, to be given by Ian Dungavell and entitled 'London as it might have been'. Dr Ian Dungavell is Director of the Victorian Society which celebrates its 50th birthday this year.

Thomas Carlyle's House (Thursday 3^rd September 2009)

See the house where Carlyle and his wife modestly set up home in 1834, which later developed into a literary gathering place.

Travellers' Club (Saturday 18^th April 2009)

The Travellers’ Club was founded in 1819 and moved to its present purpose-built clubhouse, designed by Charles Barry, in 1832. The intention of its founders was to provide a meeting place for gentlemen who had travelled abroad, their foreign visitors and diplomats posted in London who might enjoy the privilege of using the Club where we will have a 2 hour tour.

Wellington Arch (Thursday 24^th June 2004)

There will be a guided tour round this newly restored monument. We will learn about the arch’s varied past uses and enjoy three floors of exhibits detailing London’s best-known statues and memorials. There are spectacular views to be had of the surrounding Royal Parks and London skyline from the viewing platforms under the sculpture.

Wembley Stadium (Thursday 17^th April 2008)

We will have a tour of the newly constructed dressing rooms, the world's most exclusive warm-up zone, stride through the tunnel towards the hallowed turf, climb the 107 steps and stand in front of the Royal Box.

Wembley Stadium (Thursday 29^th January 2009)

A return visit where we will have a tour of the dressing rooms, the world's most exclusive warm-up zone, stride through the tunnel towards the hallowed turf, climb the 107 steps, and stand in front of the Royal Box.

Westminster Abbey Library and Muniment Room (Tuesday 10^th November 2009)

See some of the extensive collection of books and manuscripts from the10th century to the present day.

Westminster School (Thursday 12^th April 2007)

We have two time slots for a conducted tour of the building during the Easter holidays.

Westminster School (Thursday 12^th April 2007)

We have two time slots for a conducted tour of the building during the Easter holidays.

White Lodge (Thursday 14^th January 2010)

Built in 1729 as a hunting lodge for George II, the house was a royal residence and the childhood home of Bertrand Russell. It now houses the junior department of the Royal Ballet School

White Lodge (Tuesday 27^th April 2010)

Built in 1729 as a hunting lodge for George II, the house was a royal residence and the childhood home of Bertrand Russell. It now houses the junior department of the Royal Ballet School.

Whitechapel Bell Foundry (Saturday 6^th June 2009)

Another chance to see around this famous foundry established in 1570

Whitelands College (Monday 28^th July 2008)

Part of Roehampton University. We will have a tour of the rooms, followed by refreshments, which will take, in all, about two hours.

Wiener Library (Tuesday 24^th August 2004)

One of the librarians will guide us round this small but well-stocked research library specialising in the Holocaust.

Wiener Library (Wednesday 8^th December 2004)

We will be shown round this small but well-stocked research library specialising in the Holocaust by one of the librarians.

Wiener Library (Tuesday 8^th March 2005)

A repeat visit - we will be shown round this small but well-stocked research library specialising in the Holocaust by one of the librarians.

William Morris Gallery (Saturday 20^th August 2005)

The gallery’s internationally important collections illustrate William Morris’s life, work and influence. There are permanent displays of printed woven and embroided fabrics, rugs, carpets, wallpapers, furniture, stained glass and painted tiles designed by Morris himself, and by Edward Burne-Jones, Philip Webb, Dante Gabriel Rosetti, Ford Maddox Brown and others who together founded the firm Morris, Marshall, Faulkner & Company in 1861.

Wilton's Music Hall (Tuesday 3^rd May 2005)

Begun in 1853, extended in the 1870's to provide for its huge attendances, Wilton's eventually fell by the wayside as Music Hall declined. Partially destroyed by fire, rescued after use as a storage facility, and now partially restored it is the only remaining Music Hall in the country, and the home of Broomhill Opera.

Wilton’s Music Hall (Thursday 22^nd June 2006)

The venue for the Society’s Annual General Meeting. The world’s oldest surviving grand music hall built in 1858 by John Wilton behind his pub. There will be an opportunity to look at the building and hear something of its history and enjoy a convivial social occasion. Refreshments and wine will be served.

Winsor & Newton Factory (Tuesday 18^th November 2008)

There will be a tour of the colour mixing works, the historical museum, coffee and questions and a chance for a hands-on experience with some of the materials seen. We are also promised a complimentary product as we leave.

Winsor and Newton Factory (Tuesday 11^th December 2007)

This four hour visit will include a tour of the colour making works, the historical museum, coffee and questions, plus a chance for hands on experience with some of the materials seen. We are promised a complimentary product as we leave.