Pauline Atkins Book Reviews : Southwark and Blackfriars in 50 Buildings by Lucy McMurdo

Hello South London book lovers, how many of you live and work in Southwark or Blackfriars and have never really looked at the history or amazing buildings that you pass by daily?

I must admit I am one of those people. I have lived just off Bermondsey Street, for the past 28 years and have watched a huge change happen to the area, including, the openings of Zandra Rhodes’ famous Fashion and Textile Museum and the contemporary White Cube Art Gallery, both in Bermondsey Street.

But I have never really appreciated the rich history and stunning architecture of the many buildings that I am surrounded by, until, I was sent an amazing book called

, published in July, all 100 photos credited to Alex McMurdo and commissioned by Amberley Publishing at £15.99.

This fascinating book has made me realise just how special this part of London is, from the many churches, museums, art galleries, public houses, theatres, hospitals etc, all within walking distance from my own front door.

I found the book informative, factual, full of colourful history, and so engrossing .

Lucy McMurdo has also written many books including, Streets of London, London in 7 days, London’s Square Mile and City of London in 50 Buildings, to name but a few, all of which I will be seeking out.

Her husband Alex McMurdo has managed to capture some of the best images of the places Lucy writes about and these have also encouraged me to venture into a lot of these buildings so I can see for myself history come alive.

I would highly recommend buying this wonderful book as a gift to a loved one or even yourself.

For £15.99 you are buying just a small piece of history that you will find as fascinating as I did and I look forward to reading more of her books, and perhaps missing my train stop a few more times, in the future.

Do you know these places? Answers are in the book

Picture: Pauline Atkins. photo credit: Pauline Atkins