Ye olde London Court, Perth

London Court

Reflecting on my home city, Perth, Western Australia, I am impressed by the constant changes, progress of major infrastructure projects and the mix of old and new.  Despite the many changes and new life being injected into the city, one thing remains constant, London Court.

London Court

London Court

Running between Hay Street and St George’s Terrace, London Court is one of Perth’s more quirky shopping arcades that has stood the test of time. This gorgeous arcade has a lot to offer and as you enter you find yourself transported back to 16th century’s Tudor times and it is hard to belief you are in Perth, Western Australia and not in London.

London Court

London Court

London Court

Reminiscent of Elizabethan England, London Court was designed in 1937 for a wealthy gold miner and financier. Built as a combination of residential and commercial premises incorporating Tudor design elements and a replica of Big Ben at the entrance, London Court attracts international visitors with its unique architecture nestled under the contrasting sky scrapers.

London Court

London Court

London Court

London Court

It’s a little sad nowadays that practically nobody stops to watch the clock as it chimes on the hour. I recall the excitement as a little girl when we’d stand at the Hay Street entrance and wait to watch the jousting knights charge at each other as the clock struck on the hour. The blue faced clock is a replica of great clock in Rouen, France.  Under the clock face is a quote, “No minute gone ever back again. Take heed and see ye nothing do in vain”. Above the clock four knights, known as “Tournament of Amoured Knights”, circle the window when the clock chimes every quarter of an hour.

London Court

London Court

London Court

London Court

London Court

At the St George’s Terrace end of London Court is another clock. This clock replicates Big Ben and above St George doing battle with the dragon.

London Court

London Court

London Court

London Court

London Court

London Court

There are many decorative features, a statue of Dick Whittington and his cat and another of Sir Walter Raleigh, face each other at opposite ends of the arcade. London Court has huge wrought iron gates at each entrance, hand carved gargoyles, shields and crests. There are several weather vanes, copper coloured ships, decorative moulded ceilings and decorative lions and unicorns adorn the rubbish bins. There are arched iron openings leading to the landings of second and third floors giving the feeling of narrow street facades. Under the open roofed court lead lighting on the windows with ornamental window boxes provide the perfect chance to catch a glimpse of the vivid blue sky Perth is famous for.

London Court

London Court

London Court

London Court

This is a very special place for anyone visiting Perth to step back in ye olde England, wander along the pathways and peer into the small windows. In London Court you can be enchanted by the musical drama of the big clock as it chimes on the hour in a village like atmosphere of life in an era past.

London Court

London Court

London Court

London Court

London Court

London Court

Did you know about London Court? Would you include a walk through next time you’re in the city?

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31 Responses

  1. Richie says:

    Not been there in some 25 years or more but will return there again, some day. Moved east to Melbourne but really miss Perth, such a beautiful city.

  2. Elena says:

    Walked there last Sunday early morning (our first hours in Perth wondering around before we could checkin into our Airbnb abode). Admired the clock, but, of course, not knowing about the knights routine, just walked by without waiting for the tournament. Definitely coming back to see the knights in action.
    Elena recently posted…Tbilisi WalkaboutsMy Profile

  3. This area is very neat and one of the last places I explored during my stay in Perth last year. Such great character and architecture!
    Alyssa | Adjust Your Focus™ recently posted…What to Do: Gauteng province, South AfricaMy Profile

    • Lyn says:

      Alyssa I have been visiting London Court since I was a little girl, I got my ears pierced there when I was five and make a point to stop and watch the clock when it strikes and take a stroll down the arcade through to St George’s Tce. I agree, it has such character.

  4. Holly says:

    As yet I have never been to Western Australia but I think we need to add it to the list soon. I have heard such great things. Its just the fact that we can fly to NZ or other areas in the pacific for much cheaper usually lol but we will get there.

    • Lyn says:

      Ah yes, like you in Brisbane with inexpensive flights to NZ or Pacific we get Asia and in particular Bali for less than a flight to Melbourne. We finally got to Sydney last year and will get to Brisbane soon I hope. Thank you for hosting your linkup Holly, I hope to join again next week.

  5. Connie Reed says:

    What fun architecture! I would definitely be one to stand and watch the clock as it chimes on the hour.

    The older I get, the more I take to heart the quote “No minute gone ever back again. Take heed and see ye nothing do in vain.” So true.
    Connie Reed recently posted…Snake Alley: The Crookedest Street in the WorldMy Profile

    • Lyn says:

      Thanks for your comment Connie, I’m glad you would stop and check out the clock when it chimes and that you find that a great quote too. So many lovely details in this busy shopping arcade.

  6. Anda says:

    Beautiful architecture, but it’s no surprise. Being part of the Commonwealth, Australia tried to imitate England as much as it could and that’s a very good thing. European architecture is absolutely fascinating.
    Anda recently posted…The Weekly Postcard: the Gornergrat ExperienceMy Profile

    • Lyn says:

      Yes it is beautiful architecture, I’m sure it makes many English people feel at home when they walk through this arcade. Thanks for your comment Anda.

  7. I love London Court I think it is one the rare shopping arcades that has any character in Perth.
    Sally@Toddlers on Tour recently posted…My Favourite Family Acitivites in Perth with KidsMy Profile

    • Lyn says:

      It has great character doesn’t it? I’d say Trinity Arcade has great character too Sally. Thanks for your comment.

  8. Shobha says:

    OMG! I really thought this was about the Inns of Court in London. Didn’t realise they recreated something really oldey-worldy in Perth. I’m always fascinated by immigrants and what they bring to their new countries in terms of customs, architecture etc.
    Shobha recently posted…Seydisfjordur Wows with Artsy Charm in the East Fjords of IcelandMy Profile

    • Lyn says:

      Thanks for stopping by and leaving a comment Shobha. The older architecture here in Perth reflects a lot of British heritage.

  9. That’s amazing and something I didn’t know that Perth had. Australia is such a vastly interesting country.
    Paula McInerney recently posted…The Golden Key Hotel Concierge – Les Clefs d’OrMy Profile

    • Lyn says:

      It sure is Paula, I love promoting some of the interesting places in and around Perth. Thank you for stopping by and leaving a comment and for linking up with #TheWeeklyPostcard

  10. We just returned from London and that’s one of the things I loved about the city, all the clocks all around town. We stopped at very clock we saw and admired it. I wish we had more clocks on display here in the states.
    Carmen | Carmen’s Luxury Travel recently posted…Best Tours of London: City WondersMy Profile

    • Lyn says:

      Thanks for your comment and especially for linking up Carmen.

  11. Corinne says:

    Such gorgeous features! We don’t have anything like it in the States…so enjoy!
    Corinne recently posted…Weekend Travel Inspiration – Alain de BottonMy Profile

    • Lyn says:

      It is a really unique place Corinne, outside of UK that is.

  12. liz says:

    I’ve walked past this loads of times and never known anything about it so thanks for sharing – I will have to stop next time I am in London! Great pics too!
    liz recently posted…10 Essential Italian DestinationsMy Profile

    • Lyn says:

      Thanks for stopping by and linking up Liz.

  13. Vlad says:

    Gorgeous architecture! I love it when we can be pleasantly surprised by our own cities.
    Vlad recently posted…The Best Places To See The Fireworks In Paris On Bastille DayMy Profile

    • Lyn says:

      Vlad, Perth is one of those cities that is going through some amazing changes and constant surprises, and then there are some old favourites like this one.

  14. Arnie says:

    During our current trip, we decided to skirt London. But, your post gives us just one more reason to visit London. A trip with to solely see London with no other itineraries.
    Arnie recently posted…Things to Do in Bath EnglandMy Profile

    • Arnie says:

      Boy, I shouldn’t try to read when I have had no sleep. My apologies, I didn’t comprehend the article in my sleep deprived state. Color me seriously embarassed!
      Arnie recently posted…Things to Do in Bath EnglandMy Profile

      • Lyn says:

        Just goes to show how genuine London Court looks eh 😉

  15. Fairlie says:

    Watching the knights jousting was a highlight of any trip into the city when I was a kid! I’m so glad London Court has survived all these years.
    Fairlie recently posted…Tokyo’s cat cafes – why we paid money to pat a kittyMy Profile

    • Lyn says:

      Mine too Fairlie. I am thankful they restored the clock bells and workings after being out of action over 25 years. I agree with Lord Mayor Lisa Scaffidi that it is a city treasure and a great asset to the cityscape.

  1. […] Court and the Old Courthouse. Being right in the city it is only short walk to the Hay Street mall, London Court, Bell Tower, Barrack Square Jetty and the Swan River. On the first day in town I would suggest a […]

  2. […] than watching the sun set in the west. Except maybe strolling through a quirky 16th century Tudor style arcade with an open roof to take in the vivid blue sky Perth is famous […]

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