Memorial day - 41

If there is one prime location for a monument, it is at the end of Westminster Bridge within the shadow of the Houses of Parliament Clock Tower, (sorry for being so pedantic in not referring to the Tower as Big Ben - that is the name of the bell that chymes the hour, not the clock nor the towers).

Queen Boudicca (formerly known as Boadicea) was the ruler of the Iceni, a tribe who lived in eastern England. She is famous for leading the British (though technically they weren't British at the time, but a collection of tribes) against the Roman Empire. And like present day British sports persons, she didn't win but came in a good second best. Though in her case the Romans killed her in 61AD.

The statute was commissioned in 1850 by Prince Albert, Queen Victoria's consort - I wonder what devious reason he had for doing that? It was made by Thomas Thornycroft.

Standing in the chariot with Boudicca are her two daughters - no wonder they lost, three women driving a chariot, it would have taken them hours to park it.

Legend has it that Boudicca is buried under Platform 10 King's Cross Station. And if you believe that, you'll also believe Harry Potter boarded the train for Hogwarts from Platform 9 3/4.

Irrational dislike

I really dislike walking across Waterloo Bridge.

I really dislike walking across Westminster Bridge. But that's perfectly rational, its such an unpleasant experience. Trying to make your way along the pavement congested with tourists standing in the middle, having their photograph taken with the backdrop of Big Ben or the London Eye. Then there are all the touts selling: honey roasted peanuts or smuggled cigarettes. Then there's the group of Chinese who make postcard holders out of aluminium wire bent in the shape of the purchasers name - please write your name on paper, oh sorry wire too short for Isambard Zaccarious Moonwalker.

But there's no rational reason for my antipathy towards Waterloo Bridge. In reality Waterloo Bridge offers one of the best views of St Paul's Cathedral and the City of London. And in the winter months you can see some brilliant sunsets - even the Kinks had a hit song about them.

The view west in the night is breathtaking. Click here to see.