Stand On The Historic Prime Meridian Of The World
The Prime Meridian is the start of the longitude line, which divides the World right down the middle. To be standing astride the world's Prime Meridian you need to stand on the southern side of see the historic Royal Observatory, which houses Greenwich Mean Time (GMT). Now this is a truly unique opportunity to stand astride the world’s Prime Meridian and puts you in an elite group of people that have stood and walked these very grounds at Greenwich since 1884.
The Prime Meridian of the World splits the observatory in two, South Greenwich Forum (southgreenwichforum.co.uk). Across the Dark Sky Gallery you are as far east as possible, and across the Meridian Courtyard you are as far west. At low tide you can even see Paris, France across to the furthest visible point – Line of Hard Shadow – on the other side of the Equator (2km). There's no better place in London to have your picture taken with one foot firmly in each hemisphere.
One of the world´s most famous quarters and is home to the prime meridian line from which all other longitudes have been calculated since 1884 when this site became the headquarters of the Royal Maritime observatory. It is also probably best known for Greenwich Mean Time (GMT), a concept that was created in this very building by Sir John Flamsteed and his team of astronomers. The Royal Observatory Greenwich is the home of GMT, the Prime Meridian of the World.
The Observatory has been at its current location since 1675. Its primary function was as an aid to navigation and its services as a time ball were installed in 1833. The Prime Meridian (longitude 0º) runs right through the Royal Observatory building in Greenwich, where GMT was established as the World Standard for time measurement in 1884. The Prime Meridian of the World is the imaginary line in The Royal Observatory, Greenwich that separates east from West and divides Earth into hemispheres.
Explore Maritime Greenwich, A World Heritage Site
For British people of a certain age, maritime Greenwich conjures up early recollections of Royal National Lifeboat Institute’s RNLI Division. For everyone else, Greenwich is an intriguing destination for all the history it holds relating to maritime life and discovery, and its very close proximity to the financial centre of the UK. Greenwich borough, south east London in particular, is steeped in the nautical heritage and commemorates this proudly with attractions such as The National Maritime Museum (NMM), Royal Observatory and Cutty Sark.
And here’s the new event coming up in September – Nautical Festival. Greenwich is known as a center of maritime history. For more than 900 years, Greenwich has been the site of royal palaces and royal navy dockyards, famous seafarers and explorers, naval heroes, as well as the World's major timekeeping institutions. A UNESCO World Heritage site since 1997, it is a unique microcosm of British history with royal heritage sites, Georgian town planning, globally significant archives, remarkable museums and galleries plus an abundance of historic buildings from the 16th century onwards.
Greenwich is an historic part of London and now a World Heritage Site. This part of London is actually like an open air museum with sites and attractions like the Old Royal Naval College, the Cutty Sark, and the Maritime Museum. Many of us think about Greenwich as just a town on the south bank of the River Thames (definitely the best side) with a famous observatory, park and more museums than you could ever visit in your lifetime.
Experience The Decadence Of Eltham Palace
On the 5th of July, Eltham Palace will re-open following a two-year, £22m restoration to celebrate its unique place in English heritage. Eltham Palace is a confection of Medieval and Art Deco architecture, created by architect Philip Powell and his partner in life and art, Gordon Jeeves. The palace is famous for its commanding location (on top of Shooter's Hill), its King Henry VIII associations, and being home to the Courtauld Institute of Art. It was also featured on an episode of Doctor Who in 2008.
I must admit that historically I wouldn't have been entirely interested in this attraction, but having visited recently to discover more about it I must say it has convinced me otherwise with how interesting. You made it! Great choice, you'll love your stay. The most beautiful room, I think you'll agree. Oops, never mind, I've checked your diary – well we can switch it for another one if you don't like it. Ah 'twas but a joke, enjoy your stay.
Now relax and soak up some Eltham Palace Deco decadance in the height of 1930s Art Deco-style architecture but still retaining Medieval features from its 6th century predecessor. Enjoy the spoils of a decadent England at the height of a global power. Eltham Palace in London, England is one of the finest examples of 1930s Art Deco architecture worth visiting for. Its setting is truly inspiring, surrounded by formal terraces and stunning new gardens created using flowers that would have been available 500 years ago.
The atmosphere of the decadence of Eltham Palace is experienced throughout, including the hand painted ceiling in the stunning summer house that overlooks the new gardens. Welcome to Eltham Palace. This was a favoured residence of English monarchs for centuries and an award winning attraction that features period rooms and newly landscaped gardens, filled with rare plants and flowers. Enjoy the decadence of this magnificent gothic palace set in the private Royal Borough of Greenwich.
Retreat to a place steeped in history, romance and grandeur where past royalty mingled with modern art deco splendour. Eltham Palace is the finest surviving example of Art Deco architecture in England, rich in kings, queens, princes and princesses. It is one of the most extraordinary buildings to survive from the 1920s and 30s in Britain and yet it was hardly known by the wider public until its recent restoration. Behind its magnificent façade lies an extraordinary story of intrigue and romance featuring some of England's most famous monarchs.