Exploring the Thames Industrial Past: Vauxhall to Battersea
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We
explore some of London's industrial past on the Thames, including the
oldest remaining barges.
This is an area of development - modern
residential buildings and tall office towers rise up, while floating
houseboat communities struggle for survival and the Grade II listed
Battersea Power Station remains neglected.
In contrast, we walk through
Battersea Park, past the beautiful boating lake, the pretty Victorian
bandstand and the unusual Peace Pogoda. We walk by the
magnificent Albert Bridge, a Grade II listed road bridge that uses 4,000
light bulbs to light it at night!
Battersea Power Station
We begin at Vauxhall Station (a few minutes from Waterloo Station).
Brunswick House Café is in a beautiful 17th century house where we introduce ourselves over a coffee.
The walk, which follows the Thames Path heading west toward Battersea, passes:
Battersea Power Station - built in 1933 to provide London's electricity
Battersea Park - opened by Queen Victoria in 1858
Tideway Village - a floating community of houseboats (if path is open)
Albert Bridge - built in 1873. The only bridge in London to still have its tollbooths at either end (though not in use now!).
Lots Road Power Station
The Couper Collection - the oldest barges remaining on the Thames
Did you know?
Battersea Power Station is the largest brick building in Europe
Go over the new vocabularyat the end
St. Mary's Church, Battersea
_ Relax in a quiet café or pub at the end to go over the new vocabulary with your teacher and guide. Ask any questions about the walk and language.
Battersea
High Street is a short walk from Clapham Junction Station where you can
get an overground train to London Waterloo, London Victoria, Croydon and many
other destinations.