This is a shared post, serving as a recommendation to go check out Spitalfields Market and some other places nearby and at the same time is a chance to give a shout-out to a really great book to take with you.
Taking its name from the hospital and priory, St. Mary's Spittel founded in 1197, Spitalfields lies in the heart of the East End of London and right beside Liverpool Street station.
At the opposite end lies Hawksmoor's Christ Church, consecrated in 1729 its striking white facade is due to the Portland stone that was used. Luckily this beautiful building has survived despite going through a period of neglect when the roof was declared unsafe and the then Bishop proposed its demolition in the 1960s.
Scattered about are interesting sculptures to look at. I Goat, won the Spitalfields Sculpture Prize in 2010, of a hand-sculpted goat standing on top of a stack of packing crates by artist Kenny Hunter.