London West End Zoom Visit - 18 February 2021

Explore the West End of London that was laid out for us exactly 200 years ago by architect John Nash. Given the scale and complexity of his scheme, he would today be seen as a 'master planner'. This talk reveals the city which the Prince Regent thought would 'eclipse Napoleon's Paris'. Zooming up its great processional way from St James's to Regent's Park we will enjoy Nash's great vistas and design ideas while understanding how his division of the 'nobility' from the 'trading part of the community' is still apparent today. It didn't all go to plan. The king knocked down his centre piece; he struggled to get the hay market out of the Haymarket and his most elegant shopping colonnade became a place to buy sex. Yet his astonishing legacy is deeper and more long-lasting than is recognised. To understand the way London works, this is essential viewing.

As a London walking tour guide and lecturer, Charlie Forman highlights the social, architectural and artistic history of his home city. It is a city he is passionate about, not least because it has a historic core larger and richer than any other world city.

This is a Zoom viewing on Thursday 18th February 7:30 pm. Event tickets £10 per schreen.

Contact: Rod Whyte at rodwhyte@gmail.com  or 07932 720176.

All contributions to Misbourne Matins Rotary Club's Charity fund, which supports both local and international charities.