January 2026 – Peter Jordan

Plagues, Pestilence and Pathology

Sable, on a chevron or, between three leopards' heads argent, each crowned with an Eastern crown of the second, as many fleurs-de-lis azure. Crest — On a wreath of the colours, a woman sitting accompanied with three children proper, habited azure, being the emblem of Charity. Supporters — On either side, an angel proper, habited argent, the hair and wings or, each holding a book proper, the clasps gold.

I met up with old friends to follow the Plagues, Pestilence and Pathology self-guided walk published by the City of London. We decided to meet up at the ‘end’ of the walk at Guy.s Hospital. Whilst waiting I was struck

Chain and moss

A thick bed of moss lies on top of a piece of wood next to some rusty chain links

I spotted this on a redundant gate on a bridleway off the South Downs Way. A luxuriant layer of what I think is Haircap moss.