A peaceful fortress in the centre of London

I was first introduced to the Barbican by a larger than life Texan. A friend of my mother’s called Lance West.

When she was 16 she spent a year in Dallas, Texas living and learning English with his family, and she remained in contact with them ever since.

In 2007, I had recently moved to London for university. It was my first few months in the city, and I’d barely set foot outside of my uni and halls. One day, Lance got in touch to say he was in town, staying at the Barbican, and that I should visit. He said it would a once in a lifetime opportunity! I thought that quite a claim, so I strolled over to the Barbican from Bankside, over Millennium Bridge, and around St Pauls. It was before I had a smartphone, and I had to look up how to get to Cromwell Tower on Google Maps before I left.

For the life of me I couldn’t work out how to get into the Barbican from what the map showed me, so I ended up going past the Museum of London and down the Beech Street Tunnel.

I found the tower, and entered the foyer and waited. Lance arrived, and took me up to about the 30-35th floor. I remember thinking that the lift foyer was so cool and I truly didn’t realise what an opportunity was being shared with me.

I wish I remembered the flat better. It was a a 1B, 2B or 3B flat, with the triangular balcony. I remember the lounge, and the balcony, of which the lip wasn’t that high. He’d told me I had to see the view and so I’d brought my camera with me. I took plenty of photos on the hazy day, amazed at the view.

From there he took me to the Barbican Kitchen and we had a good chat sitting in the window. He shared his love of the Barbican, sharing what a special place it was, and from there I was hooked.

Lance died a few years later. He’d led a colourful life. Ex girlfriend's had shot him, he’d been blown off an oil rig, and not surprisingly his heart had suffered. from those experiences. I found this email he left me:

“It was a pleasure to meet you in London and have a nice chat. You're looking quite well and seemed to have grown a foot since our last meeting. Enjoy these days as they will be among the best in life.

If you get a chance do check out the Museum of London at the Barbican Center which I found quite interesting.”

Lance, was right, those university days were a very special time in my life.

Since that first visit, I kept returning to the Barbican and eventually a friend rented a flat in Willoughby House where I have been lucky enough to stay.

I adore the light, the lines, the quiet, the water, the thought that went into the architecture and all of its influences. Nothing like the Barbican is built today, and it fascinates me. The many sight lines, modernity of walking above cars, as well as the secret passage type feel to the Barbican always brings me joy!

This video takes you back to how the Barbican came to be. Enjoy!