What’s That Strange Looking and Ancient Green Turret

I was wandering along the north bank of the River Thames In London the other day, when I came across something that looked like it was straight out of a Harry Potter movie. It was a big old and unusual looking green turret.

My first thoughts were what the heck is this ancient looking green turret, I had a wee look around for a sign that would explain it all to me, but alas there was nothing. Please Mayor Boris, why don’t you spend a few quid on a some signs for historic and interesting looking objects such as this and the smallest police station in the world at Trafalgar Square.

Thankfully the master of the Universe Google eventually helped me to discover what it was. The green turret is actually the Westminster Tide Recorder and it measures the depth of the River Thames at this particular point. Seemingly if you climb on top of the wall and look inside it you can see the computerised system that now measures the depth.

I’m sure millions of tourists and Londoners have passed by the Westminster Tide Recorder and probably haven’t even noticed it or thought too much about what the big green turret actually is. I like to keep my eyes peeled for unusual looking things and my curiosity wont be satisfied until I have discovered what it is.

If you are actually looking for the Westminister Tide Recorder it isn’t too difficult to find it. If you go down the steps on north bank side of the Thames, on the opposite side of the road from Big Ben you cant really miss it.

How old is the Westminster Tide Recorder, don’t ask me because I can find hardly any information about the thing. Never mind once Mayor Boris reads my words of wisdom he will start working on some signs in  the near future.

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