London and Tilbury Port, England - May 8/9

London and Tilbury Port, England - May 8/9

Situated on the north bank of the Thames, Tilbury is steeped in history. Ancient Rome kept an outpost here. Historically, the town is most famous as the site of a fortress built by Henry VIIIl to defend London from invasion by ships coming up the Thames. 

Upriver, London straddles the Thames. From its power centers-Buckingham Palace, the Parliament, Westminster Abbey-the fate of the British Empire rose and wavered. 

Today, it stands as a major economic and cultural hub. 

Behind the pomp and glamour of royalty, the city thrives amid a long tradition of arts and architectural innovation-from Shakespeare's Globe Theater to West End musicals, from Tower Bridge to the London Eye.

Sadly today was our last day with many of our friends from the ship. We chose to extend the trip to Norway, Sweden and Denmark, while most of the passengers ended their trip in London. 

Tower of London Bridge on the Thames

Tower of London

Westminster Abbey

Marble Arch

St Pauls dome and reflections

Under the Tower Bridge

New friends last outing together 

2 Good bridge partners goodbye (for now) lunch

Leaving

Tilbury Fort gate

The World's End Pub in Tilbury

Another goodbye (for now) to new friends.