The Strand (or sometimes, just
'Strand') takes its name from the old English word for 'beach' or 'riverside' as
this was once the muddy path which ran along the north bank of the river Thames
to connect Westminster (the centre of power) with the City (the centre of
commerce). In Victorian times, the river was brought under control with the
construction of the Embankment and the water is now 200 yards away on the right.
You can still get a sense of a sloping river bank if you look down some of the
side streets off the Strand.