Bayswater Road
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The Bayswater Road (now the A402) is the location for a car chase in 'The Dirtiest Business', during which the SIS's Major Turner pursues Pavla and the KGB.
The road, which follows the path of an ancient Roman road for at least part of its length, runs alongside Kensington Gardens and Hyde Park. It is easily reached by tube with nearby underground stations including Queensway, Bayswater, Lancaster Gate and Marble Arch. The Bayswater Road in May 2005, looking west (below left) and east (below right). |
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Piccadilly Circus
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Piccadilly Circus in central London is a filming location for both the original and new series of the Tomorrow People. In the OS, Piccadilly Circus appeared in the opening scene of 'The Dirtiest Business' and it was in this part of London that Pavla escaped from her KGB keepers. She fled past the bright lights and bustling streets of the West End. In the NS, Kevin was given an inpromtu bus tour of Piccadilly Circus at night by an irate bus depot guard.
The circus is close to London's primary entertainment and night-life areas and can easily be reached by public transport (London underground to Piccadilly Circus station on the Bakerloo and Piccadilly lines - or walk from other nearby stations).
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(Above) Shaftesbury Avenue as seen from Piccadilly Circus - visible are the Apollo and London Trocadero theatres. Seen in May 2005.
Piccadilly circus is a pedestrianised area at a busy traffic interchange, standing at the intersection of 6 main roads, and is famous for the statue of 'Eros' that stands at its centre. The statue was, in fact, sculpted to represent 'The Angel of Christian Charity' and was erected in 1893 in memory of the philanthropist Lord Shaftesbury (few people now remember this original intention). (Left) 'The Angel of Christian Charity', commonly known as 'Eros', seen in May 2005.
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Shepherd's Bush Market
Location of Stephen's breakout in 'Slaves of Jedikiah' during which Stephen was seen running between the market stalls and finally collapsing in front of a crowd of shoppers.
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The derivation of the name `Sheperd's Bush' is uncertain, although it may arise from a resting point used by shepherds en route to Smithfield Market. Shepherd's Bush market is still thriving. It is an elongated market -- narrow but extending between the Hammersmith and City line underground stations of Shepherd's Bush and Goldhawk Road. The permanent market stalls nestle under the arches of the railway viaduct. In addition to clothing and houseware stalls, it has a number specialising in regional cuisines, in particular, serves the local afro-carribean and asian community.
See a local map and directions
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(Above) The market entrance, from the Shepherd's Bush end, seen in August 2006 |
St Thomas's Hospital
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St Thomas's Hospital on the banks of the River Thames in London was used as the location for Professor Cawston's office in 'A Rift in Time.' It provided him with a spectacular view across the Thames to the then-uncleaned Houses of Parliament. It seems likely that the trees planted on the embankment have grown since the 1970s and would now obscure this view since the building is barely visible behind foliage when seen from the opposite bank.
(left) St Thomas's Hospital seen through the trees from the north end of Westminster Bridge, beside the houses of Parliament. Seen in May 2005. |
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St Thomas's is an ancient hospital which was in existence well before 1215AD. Initially, it was run by a mixed order of Augustinian monks and nuns. It was disolved for a decade by Henry VIII at the height of the Reformation, but soon reopened to serve London from its central location. The buildings were largely rebuilt at the end of the seventeenth century and the spectacular construction now visible dates largely from this time. More recently, large additional buildings were constructed in the twentieth century. The hospital is now part of Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust. (Right) The twentieth century building of St Thomas's Hospital (grey building, center) seen from the London Eye. The older buildings are barely visible behind. Seen in May 2005. |
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Tower Bridge
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Tower Bridge was used as a vantage point by Kenny in 'Slaves of Jedikiah' as the TPs attempted to track down Stephen. It crosses the River Thames (see below) in central London, not far from the Tower of London (also see below!).
The Thames Embankment in this region was also the location at which John kidnapped the Prime Minister in 'Secret Weapon'. Tower Bridge as seen from the Tower of London in May 2005 (Photo © Elizabeth Stanway). |
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Tower Bridge was constructed between 1886 and 1894 to relieve pressure on the existing river crossings in London. At the time, there were no crossings downstream of London Bridge and the design of the bridge had to take into account the needs of the river traffic serving central London. Upwards of fifty designs were considered between 1876 and October 1884. The winning design was for a hydraulically driven 'bascule' bridge in which the lower road surface is lifted to a maximum of 84 degrees from horizontal, allowing the passage of tall ships. Initially steam powered, the bridge now operates on oil and electricity and still opens when necessary to allow ships to pass. Once, in 1952, a london bus had to leap the divide between bascules when it was caught on the opening bridge!
The bridge has been open to the public since 1982. The closest London Underground station is Tower Hill (District and Circle lines). For tourist information see the Tower Bridge Exhibition website
The Tower of London
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The Tower of London, repository of the Crown Jewels, featured in 'The Medusa Strain' as Robowski attempted to steal those items. Stephen and Kenny later visited a mock-up of the jewel display room to look for clues regarding Carol's kidnapping. The Tower was not actually used for location filming in 'The Medusa Strain', but appears in the background of Tower Bridge scenes in 'Slaves of Jedikiah'.
(Left) The Tower of London as viewed from Tower Hill (the ancient site of the public gallows) in May 2005.
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The Tower of London was founded in the eleventh century when the central 'White Tower' was constructed on the order of William the Conquerer. Through the following ten centuries, the tower was host to royal quarters, witnessed royal murders and executions, was expanded and renovated by successive monarchs, was beseiged and damaged in conflicts up to and including the second world war. The Tower is now a World Heritage Site. (Right) The White Tower in May 2005. |
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Stock footage was used in the episodes of 'The Medusa Strain' to show the exterior of the Tower of London, while a studio was used for interior scenes. The Crown Jewels were moved to a purpose built display building on the site in the late-80s/early-90s.
For tourist information see the Tower of London website. Located in central London - the closest London Underground station is Tower Hill (Circle and District lines).
(Left) The Jewel House at the Tower of London (May 2005).
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