Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
The view downstream from Waterloo Bridge. The ornate spire of St
Bride's Church (far left) and the dome of St Paul's Cathedral (both
Walk 8) contrast with the tower blocks of the City.
From the middle of Waterloo Bridge there are fine views upstream to Westminster and
down to St Paul's. The original bridge, designed by John Rennie, was opened by the
Prince Regent a month before Jane Austen's death on the second anniversary of the Battle
of Waterloo (18 June 1817). It was replaced in 1937-42.
Walk back towards the Strand and, just as the bridge ends, turn right onto the River Ter-
race ramp to Somerset House. This terrace - the river frontage before the Embankment was
constructed - was inaccessible to the public in Jane's day, depriving them of 'one of the
noblest views in the world,' according to
The Picture of London.
A pair of mermen on the river frontage of Somerset House.
Enter Somerset House from the Terrace through the Seamen's Hall and into the Fountain
Court. During the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries Somerset House housed the Royal
Academy, the Royal Society and the Society of Antiquaries and exhibitions and art shows
here were a fashionable entertainment. Jane had planned to visit in May 1813, but an urgent
errand intervened.
