Oliver Cromwell, Lord Protector

Thornycroft's 1899 statue of Oliver Cromwell stands outside the Palace of Westminster in London. Cromwell served as a commander in the Parliamentarian army and was instrumental in the overthrow of the monarchy and the establishment of a republican commonwealth. He served as Lord Protector of England, Scotland and Ireland from 1653 until his death in 1658.

Eurasian Coot, Fulica Atra

The common Eurasian Coot is a plump waterbird similar to a moorhen. I spotted this one foraging by the pond in Saint James's Park, London.

Richard I of England

Marochetti's heroic 1860 statue of Richard the Lionheart stands in the shadow of the Houses of Parliament. Richard reigned as king of England from 1189 until his death in 1199.

European Robin, Erithacus Rubecul

Normally I'm too slow when trying to take close-ups of birds. By the time I'm ready they're long gone! Luckily this robin in the gardens of Hampton Court Palace didn't mind waiting for me.

Along the River Thames

While walking around London at the weekend I took this picture of the Thames from the Golden Jubilee Bridge. The Ferris wheel is the London Eye, the largest in Europe. Westminster Bridge can be seen crossing the river towards the Houses of Parliament, Victoria Tower and Big Ben.