Kenton & District u3a Members made their way on London Underground for a visit to Southwark Cathedral on Monday 29 January 2024. Southwark Cathedral is located in the centre of London, close to London Bridge and to the foodie heaven that is Borough Market.

A cathedral has existed at this location for many years. The first structure dates back to well before the Norman Conquest of 1066AD, but various historians hold differing views as to when exactly it was founded. Some date it to a nunnery in 606AD, others to a Saint Saviour’s Church in 852AD. You can read much more about the history of the cathedral on Wikipedia’s page.

As well as stunning stained glass windows, there are many significant tombs within the cathedral walls, including the 15th Century poet John Gower. After the glory of the cathedral, there was a chance to explore the vicinity where there lies a replica of the Golden Hind, the ship of Sir Francis Drake used in his circumnavigation.

Close by the ship was some entertaining local colour!