Paddington station. Photos: mattbuck/David Dixon
GREETINGS, strollers! We parted company outside the Boatman Institute in Junction Mews, Tyburnia, and now commence this week’s virtual walk by heading to Paddington Basin.
Today, as
Diary last week muttered under its breath, the basin is surrounded by patterned paving, al fresco restaurants, shops, offices and homes. It is a very different look compared with its original purpose as a major depot for all manner of goods. Built in 1801, the basin was a hive of activity as boats from the Grand Union and Regent’s Canal unloaded produce to then be taken along the New Road into central London.