The Great London Square Hunt: Counting Corners in a Concrete Jungle
Ah, London. A city that overflows with history, culture, and...squares? That's right, those little pockets of green (or not-so-green) scattered amongst the towering buildings. But just how many squares are there, you ask? Well, my friend, that's a question that's baffled explorers braver than Indiana Jones and mathematicians more meticulous than Sheldon Cooper.
The Plot Thickens (or thins, depending on the state of the grass)
Here's the thing: defining a "square" in London isn't as easy as slicing a piece of cake. Some are proper squares, all neat and tidy with buildings on all four sides. Others are more like trapezoids that saw a few too many pints down the pub. There's even a rumour of a rogue octagon trying to blend in (we're looking at you, Brunswick Square!). Then there are the "garden squares," little oases of greenery that are a Londoner's secret weapon against urban madness.
So, the official estimate (with a healthy dose of "maybe") sits around 209 squares. But that's just the tip of the iceberg, folks! There are hidden courtyards, secret gardens, and public parks that might not technically be squares but offer a similar leafy escape.
The Square-spotting Tourist: A Field Guide (sort of)
Now, you might be wondering, "Why would I, a perfectly sane tourist, want to count squares?" Well, my adventurous friend, for the glory of course! Here's how to up your London square game:
- Themed Square Tour: Fancy a royal adventure? Hit up Buckingham Palace, The Mall, and St. James's Square for a right posh square crawl. Feeling a bit more literary? Wander through Bloomsbury's squares, where Virginia Woolf and Charles Dickens once roamed.
- Pack Your Picnic Basket: Many squares are perfect for a lunchtime break. Grab a sandwich, find a (hopefully) sunny spot, and people-watch to your heart's content.
- Square Souvenir Challenge: Take a quirky photo in each square. Bonus points for recreating a famous scene (think Mary Poppins feeding the birds in St. James's Park)
Remember: Be respectful of private property and don't trample the flowerbeds (unless you're running away from a particularly grumpy pigeon, then all bets are off).
Frequently Asked Square-y Questions
How to identify a London square? If it has four sides and makes you want to sing "I Get By With A Little Help From My Friends," it's probably a square.
How to avoid getting lost in a maze of London squares? A good map and a healthy dose of common sense should do the trick.
How to impress your friends with your newfound square knowledge? Casually drop the fact that you know the difference between a square and a garden square. Boom. Instant intellectual.
How to find the best square for a picnic? Head to one of the Royal Parks like Regent's Park or Hyde Park for ample space and stunning scenery.
How many squares does it take to screw in a light bulb? This one is a trick question! Squares don't have arms, silly!
