Author Archives: Geoff Clements

The ‘Link Boys’ & ‘Snuffers’ of old London town!!

Posted on by Posted in Quirky Topics, Street - Fixtures & Fittings .

 

This week’s blog for publication onto the ‘London Shoes’ website, in some ways falls into the category of ‘quirky’ – however, historically, the topic provides today’s world with a remarkable insight into an aspect of every day London life well over 200 years ago.

This week’s blog is all about the “Link Boys & Snuffers” of old London!!!

Today, we take street lighting for granted, but long before the invention of gas lighting and its implementation throughout London’s streets – Londoner’s had to make their own devices to enable them to find their way around the streets at night – streets that were particularly dark and dangerous after dark, making walking around them an extremely risky business.

Because there was no public lighting, the authorities encouraged the public to make their own arrangements regarding having sufficient lighting to find their way around after dark – and, to prevent potential crime, those Londoner’s residing in the more affluent streets and districts were advised to make provisions so that flamed torches/lanterns could be erected and displayed outside their front doors.

This ‘flamed torch’ lighting was not a problem for the wealthy as invariably they had servants in ‘service’ who would do the job of lighting up the front of the house – and more importantly, would carry a flamed torch in front of their ‘master’ whenever they were out and about on the streets at night.

However, the ordinary Londoner could not afford such luxuries – and so would have to rely on the services of a “Link Boy” to guide them through the darkness.

A “Link Boy” was really a young street urchin exploited in child labour – who would carry a homemade ‘flamed torch’ made from reeds and cotton and coated in wax, tallow and tar, that formed the ‘wick’ – this ‘torch’ was known as a ‘Link’.

‘Link Boys’ could be found on the corner of most of London’s busiest streets, and would charge punters a couple of farthings to provide a guiding light to wherever their destination was.

However, Link Boys were very often connected to criminal activity, and would be paid to lead their ‘clients’ down dark alleys , where there would be gangs of muggers waiting to ambush and rob them.

An interesting fact here is that the expression “Couldn’t hold a candle to” used when describing something as inferior to something else – derives from comparisons made at that time, between ‘good’ and ‘bad’ Link Boys!!!! – (it just goes to show, you learn something new every day)

“Link Boys” were regularly referred to in the literary works of Samuel Pepys and Charles Dickens – and even mentioned as far back as Shakespeare’s time in his play Henry IV.

With the eventual arrival and roll-out of gas street lighting, the role of the Link Boy obviously declined – but paintings and illustrations of those times, depict their existence and importance to every day London life.

So – what are ‘Snuffers’ all about??

When using a flamed torch to find your way around the streets, and having arrived at your destination – you then needed something to extinguish the ‘flame’ – and this would be done by using a ‘Snuffer’ (or link extinguisher, to give it its formal name).

These “Snuffers” were iron horn shaped fixtures that were attached to iron railings surrounding a front door of the wealthier and prestigious properties in London.

The ‘flamed torch’ would simply be ‘snuffed-out’ by sticking it in the ‘Snuffer’ – so as not to waste the wax etc. covering the wick of the torch – allowing it to be re-used over and over again.

So – my quest this week was to ‘sniff-out’ those ‘Snuffers’ that still remain in situ throughout London, some 200 years or more since they were used.

This was an enjoyable little challenge – and I have posted several photos of the ‘Snuffers’ I located – which hopefully bring the subject matter to life a little bit.

Having ‘sniffed-out’ these ‘Snuffers’ I decided to pay a visit to one of London’s historically infamous boozers – the “Viaduct Tavern”, just across the road from the Old Bailey, and built on the site of the old Newgate Prison.

This famous old pub first opened in 1869 – at the same time the iconic Holborn Viaduct landmark was opened.

It was one of London’s most notorious ‘Gin Palaces’ which also had an opium den located on its first floor. It was a seriously rough old joint – so much so, that the landlord would have ‘vet’ punters at a ticket booth located by the entrance door, and then hand out ‘beer vouchers’ to those that he felt wouldn’t cause any trouble when buying a beer at the bar.

So – having been given my ‘beer voucher’, it was left to me to sink a couple of ‘cheeky’ ones at the bar, before making my way back home.

Hope you found this one interesting and enjoy the accompanying photos.

 

Green Park tube station – the nearest stop to where the majority of the ‘Snuffers’ can be found

 

An old illustration showing a ‘Link Boy’ in action.

 

Another old illustration showing how ‘Snuffers’ were used to extinguish the flamed torches.

 

A close-up shot of a ‘Snuffer’ over 200 years old – located near St. James Street.

 

Me – with a ‘Snuffer’ above me barnet – in Cavendish Square

 

Berkley Square – the location of the majority of London’s remaining ‘Snuffers’

 

A row of houses surrounding Berkley Square, where most still have the 200 yr old Snuffers in situ

 

A house in Berkley Square with its ‘Snuffers’ still in situ

 

Another example of a Berkley Square ‘Snuffer’

 

A very picturesque & peaceful Berkley Square itself

 

Another original ‘Snuffer’ located in Berkley Square

 

And yet another of the Berkley Square ‘Snuffers’

 

 

 

And finally, one more original ‘Snuffer’ that can be found in Berkley Square

 

Nothing to do with ‘Snuffers’ – but a seasonally decorated frontage to a residence in Berkley Square

A scenic shot of Berkley Square itself

 

Me – having ‘sniffed-out’ all the ‘Snuffers’ in Berkley Square

 

An old illustration that depicts how the Link Boys would very often lead their ‘clients’ down a back alley – where they would be ambushed by a gang of muggers.

 

Amen Corner, at the back of the Old Bailey – where there can be found a row of old Georgian houses, which were once the homes of clergymen working at nearby St. Paul’s Cathedral – all o0f these houses still have their original ‘Snuffers’

 

The row of old Georgian houses, which were once the homes of clergymen working at nearby St. Paul’s Cathedral – all o0f these houses still have their original ‘Snuffers’.

 

The ‘Snuffers’ of Amen Corner

 

Me – alongside the ‘Snuffers’ of Amen Corner

 

Curzon Street Mayfair – where a couple of unusual ‘Snuffers’ are located

 

No.21-23 Curzon Street Mayfair – where the distinctive original ‘Snuffers’ have been painted gold

 

A close-up of the gold Snuffers of Curzon Street- Mayfair

 

Me – and the 2 gold “Snuffers” of Curzon Street Mayfai

 

Cavendish Square – another location where a few properties still have their original ‘Snuffers’ fixtures.

 

A picturesque and peaceful Cavendish Square

 

The ‘Snuffers’ of Cavendish Square

 

An example of the sort of residences that encircle Cavendish Square

 

St. James Square – where a fine example of an original ‘Snuffer’ can be found.

 

The original old Snuffers on display at No.10 St. James Square

 

A close-up of the original old Snuffer – in St.James Square

 

Me – in St. James Square itself

 

Little James Street – where an original ‘Snuffer’ fixture can be found

 

The original ‘Snuffers’ fixtures of No.28 Little James Street

 

A close-up of the ‘Snuffers’ of 28 Little James Street

 

Another close-up of the ‘Snuffers’ of 28 Little James Street

 

The infamous ‘Viaduct Tavern’ – just across the road from the Old Bailey. This famous old pub first opened in 1869 and was one of London’s most notorious Gin Palaces – possibly one of London’s roughest pubs throughout Victorian times

 

Me – neckin’ down a ‘cheeky’ one in the notorious Viaduct Tavern

 

Neckin’ down another ‘cheeky’ one in the ‘Viaduct Tavern’

The ‘Fake Houses’ of Leinster Gardens, Bayswater-W2

Posted on by Posted in Quirky Topics, Streets .

 

This week’s venture out for the London Shoes website posting, was short & sweet, but one that provides a typical example of the more unusual and quirky historic landmarks scattered across this metropolis.

The subject matter is all about the “fake houses” of Leinster Gardens, Bayswater W2 – and an interesting little topic it is too.
Leinster Gardens is a tree lined street located in the heart of the posh and affluent part of Bayswater – just a few minutes walk north of Hyde Park.

Its massive white 5 storey Victorian houses were built around the 1840’s – and the majority of these properties still have their original architectural features such as Corinthian pillars, large front porches, huge front doors, balconies, sash windows, street level ornate iron railings – and as a result, most of these buildings are today granted Grade II listed status.

However – among all these listed buildings sit 2 properties at no’s 23 & 24 Leinster Gardens, which are not what they may appear to be from the outside – as they have no rooms – no ‘real’ windows – no letter boxes – no door handles…..and the 2 buildings are only 5ft in depth!!!

The reason for this is all to do with when London’s very first Underground Railway was constructed way back in the 1860’s.

When the Underground was first built, deep holes were dug throughout London’s streets to accommodate the rail tracks, and these large holes would then be covered over, creating a series of tunnels.

The rail route between Paddington and Bayswater cut right through and underneath Leinster Gardens – and the houses at no’s 23 & 24 had to be demolished to enable these early ‘steam driven’ Underground trains to ‘vent-off’ all their carboniferous steam before heading into the constructed tunnel.

Building this tunnel left an unsightly huge gap in the middle of Leinster Gardens where no’s 23 & 24 used to be – in what was a very posh and desirable street.

The local ‘toffs’ were not at all happy about this as they believed it lowered the tone of the area – and they kicked-up such a fuss, that the Metropolitan Railway Co, (the owners of the rail line), had to do something to calm the wrath of the public, some of which were very influential people.

So – in 1868 they decided to construct a ‘mock-up’ frontage of no’s 23 & 24 Leinster Gardens, so that it blended in perfectly with all the other houses in the street.

Looking at the back of these 2 ‘fake’ houses, from the vantage point of neighbouring Porchester Terrace – it provides a clear view of what’s been done, as the houses either side of no’s 23 & 24 Leinster Gardens, are structured together by a number of large steel struts and girders – and you can also see the current Underground rail tracks and tunnel entrance.

They did such a great job of building this façade, that even today there are ‘locals’ who are not even remotely aware that no’s 23 & 24 Leinster Gardens don’t actually exist.

I was told by one of the residents of Leinster Gardens that all of the local ‘take-away/home delivery’ restaurants in the area have a filter on any calls they may receive ordering food to be delivered to 23 & 24 Leinster Gardens – and over the years there have been many instances where ‘fake’ events have been promoted by wrong’uns – selling tickets to unsuspecting punters.

These ‘fake’ houses at 23 & 24 Leinster Gardens are so convincing that they have appeared prominently as a back drop in scenes from popular tv series ‘Sherlock’.

Today, the fake houses are maintained and managed by TfL (Transport for London).

So – having spent some time seeking out these 2 ‘fake’ houses, and also taking time to have a look some of the other nearby streets in Bayswater – I ambled down to the end of Leinster Gardens, into Leinster Terrace, where I stumbled upon a wonderful little pub, the “Leinster Arms” – where I happily knocked back the customary couple of ‘cheeky’ beers.

This excellent little boozer dates all the way back to 1865, when it was opened as a pub called the ‘Scotch Stores’. It has a wonderfully decorative exterior and interior, and the side of the pub leads to ‘Leinster Mews’ – a very picturesque little collection of small mews cottages.

All in all a good old day out, discovering one of the more quirkier landmarks of London’s history.

Hope you enjoy he accompanying photos.

Bayswater tube station on the Circle & District line between Notting Hill Gate & Paddington – and just a couple of minutes walk from Leinster Gardens. This station originally opened in 1868.

 

 

Leinster Gardens – Bayswater, London W2

 

Me – across the road from the 2 famous ‘fake’ houses at no’s 23 & 24 Leinster Gardens-Bayswater

 

The 2 famous ‘fake’ houses at no’s 23 & 24 Leinster Gardens-Bayswater.

 

The 2 ‘fake’ front doors of 23 & 24 Leinster Gardens

 

A view of the false ‘painted’ windows and balconies at 23 & 24 Leinster Gardens

 

Another view of the painted in Windows of 23 & 24 Leinster Gardens

 

A close-up of one of the fake windows and it’s balcony

 

At the false front door entrances to the fake 23 & 24 Leinster Gardens

 

Me – being a confused postman at 24 Leinster Gardens – where do I post a bloody letter

 

Porchester Terrace – where you can view the back of the fake frontages to 23 & 24 Leinster Gardens

 

A view of the back of the 2 fake houses in Leinster Gardens – where you can clearly see the ‘gap’ between the real and fake houses

 

Looking down on the tube track that runs between the ‘gap’ – and also the back of the false frontage of 23 & 24 Leinster Gardens

 

A satellite view of the gap between the real and fake houses of Leinster Gardens – and the tube tracks running between Porchester Terrace and Leinster Gardens (photo courtesy of Bing Maps

 

Me at the wall in Porchester Terrace – where the back of the 2 fake houses in Leinster Gardens can be clearly seen

 

The streets of Bayswater

 

The streets of Bayswater

 

The streets of Bayswater

 

The streets of Bayswater

 

The streets of Bayswater

 

The streets of Bayswater

 

The streets of Bayswater

 

Me – walking the mean streets of Bayswater

 

 

The excellent ‘Leinster Arms’ pub in Leinster Terrace

 

Outside the ‘Leinster Arms’ pub – in Leinster Terrace

 

The ‘Leinster Arms’ pub – and the entrance to Leinster Mews

 

The Leinster Arms pub

 

The Leinster Arms pub

 

Leinster Mews down the side of the Leinster Arms pub

 

The little mews cottages situated down Leinster Mews

 

Inside the Leinster Arms pub

 

Me – neckin down a ‘cheeky’ one in the excellent Leinster Arms pub

 

Me – neckin down a second ‘cheeky’ one in the excellent Leinster Arms pub

 

“Beyond the Deepening Shadow” – the Tower of London’s tribute to the fallen heroes of WW1

Posted on by Posted in Military, WW1 .

 

Those who follow ‘London Shoes’ will be aware that I don’t usually do the more popular of London’s historic landmarks or tourist attractions. – however, this week was an exception, as it presented an opportunity to visit a globally recognised London landmark/attraction – at just the right time, and for the right reasons.

Along with many other thousands of sight-seers this week, my London Shoes took me down to the Tower of London, for the specific purpose of seeing the “Beyond the Deepening Shadow” commemorative tribute on display in its Moat.

“Beyond the Deepening Shadow” is a powerful symbol of remembrance in tribute to the fallen heroes of WW1 – and consists of 10,000 flames situated in the Moat encircling the Tower.

The Tower’s Moat is of particular significance to this tribute, as it was there that all the soldiers of the London battalions were lined-up and kitted out, before going off to War.

‘Beyond the Deepening Shadow’ runs for 8 nights leading up to and including the Armistice Day Centenary – with the majority of sight-seers viewing this unique tribute from pavement level.

However, I was one of the lucky ones fortunate enough to obtain a ticket that provided a tour of the Moat, led by the Yeoman Warders (Beefeaters), themselves all ex-servicemen.

This very rare access to the Moat enabled me to walk the perimeter of the Tower, and get right up close to the ‘flames’ and accompanying music – a one-off opportunity, that may never occur again.

The photos I took down in the Moat, do not do the tribute the justice it deserves – but I have posted a few to accompany this piece, and hope you enjoy them.

 

 

 

 

 

Shadwell-London E1 – inc The ‘Battle of Cable Street’ & ‘Shadwell Basin’

Posted on by Posted in Historic Docks .

 

This week’s London Shoes expedition took me to the east end of London, and to a small area down by the Thames a mile or so to the east of the Tower of London.

It may just be a small district, but it is a place steeped in history – and a place where plenty of its historic landmarks still exist, for everyone to appreciate and enjoy.

So – the publication onto the London Shoes website this week, is all about “Shadwell”-London E1.

Shadwell is a district of East London, in the London Borough of Tower Hamlets, situated on the north bank of the Thames, and it sits alongside and merges in with its close riverside neighbours Limehouse and Wapping.

Local archaeological digs have revealed that there were settlements in the Shadwell area as far back as the Roman occupation.

Up until the medieval times Shadwell was really just an uninhabited area of marshland – however, from the 16th century onwards, various draining projects were undertaken for the purpose of reclaiming some of the land from the Thames, and this reclamation work resulted in the development of various local maritime related industries and subsequently the construction of residential homes.

River related activities soon became the main industry of the area, with roperies, tanneries, breweries, mills, a huge waterworks and wharfs being constructed in the area.

The development of road links to and from London from the 16th century onwards, also contributed to the increase in industrial activity and trade and the growth of Shadwell’s population.

By the mid 1600’s the majority of Shadwell’s population were nearly all seafarers or people connected with maritime related trades.
Throughout the next couple of centuries the population of Shadwell became overcrowded, which resulted in its inhabitants experiencing poor housing and sanitary conditions – to the extent that the area soon became known for being one of London’s worst slums .

By 1801 the main commercial industry of the area, the ‘Shadwell Water Works’, were sold to the London Dock Company – who then developed two “Basin’s” – the east basin in 1832 and then the north basin in 1858. The London Dock Company then constructed a new entrance into these basins, from the Thames – that enabled the newer and larger ships into its waters.

Throughout the 1800’s Shadwell saw a massive increase in immigration as it became home to a large community of Asian seamen, brought over from British India by the East India Company. There also developed a large population of Anglo-Indians, from intermarriage between seamen and local girls – as well as smaller communities of Chinese and Greek seamen, who had also married with local girls.

However, by the beginning of the 1900’s the Shadwell Basin and the docks of its neighbours Wapping and Limehouse, started to become a bit outdated because quite simply, they could no longer cope with the rapid advances in shipping technology, and the new ships were now far too big , to fit it into these smaller docks.

Because of this, the shipping cargoes had to be unloaded downriver and then ferried by barge all the way back to warehouses in Shadwell and Wapping – which was obviously far too costly.

As a result of all this development in technology, and also the destruction that all the London docks took throughout the WW2 blitz – there was a gradual decline in the local maritime and nautical industries that had operated in Shadwell.

By 1969, Shadwell Basin and the other London Docks had all closed, and were bought up by the Tower Hamlets Council.

During the 1970s, Shadwell Basin and the other docks became derelict, before being bought up by the ‘London Docklands Development Corporation’ – who then went on to develop and regenerate the entire area, into what it is today.

In 1987 the Shadwell ‘Dockland Light Railway’ station was opened – and in recent years the Shadwell ‘Overground’ station has been developed – both stations provide direct links to central London, and also links out to the ‘burbs’.

Unlike some of the other London Docks which have been completely filled in, the Shadwell Basin still remains pretty much what it was like back in the day – and is now very popular with sightseers, cyclists, water sports enthusiasts, fishing – and of course, with the housing developments it has seen over the past couple of decades, the Basin area is a very desirable place to live.

The ‘Basin’ isn’t the only aspect of Shadwell’s history –one particular incident that put Shadwell on the map was the infamous “Battle of Cable Street” back in 1936.

East London has a long history of revolutionaries and activists, particularly in those areas that were once seen as the poorer and disadvantaged districts. One such person was “Sir Oswald Mosley” who was the one time leader of the ‘British Union of Fascists’.

On Sunday 4th October 1936, Mosley organised a demonstration march attended by all his ‘Black Shirt’ followers from all over the country. The fascists marched through the heart of London’s east-end, which at that time had a large immigrant population, predominantly Jewish.

The Metropolitan Police were called in to protect the thousands of British Union of Fascists marchers from the equally thousands of ‘anti-fascism’ demonstrators, that were made up of anarchists, communists, socialists and the Jewish communities – all of whom adopted a ‘they shall not pass’ stance by erecting road blocks and barricades made up of old furniture and anything else they could find to disrupt the flow of the march.

Tensions and emotions were obviously at fever-pitch, and by the time that Mosley’s ‘Black-Shirts’ reached Cable Street in Shadwell, it kicked-off everywhere, with fascist, the anti-fascists and Police all involved in a riotous street fight, that resulted in around 175 people, including women, children and Police, getting badly injured, which also led to around 150 arrests.

History references this entire event as the infamous “Battle of Cable Street” – and on the side of Shadwell’s old town hall building, there is a massive mural that depicts this event – and there is also a red plaque on display in Dock Street commemorating this historic incident.

Shadwell also has 2 wonderful churches that are rich in history and help define the district:-
St Paul’s– is Shadwell’s old parish church originally built in 1665, and known as the ‘Church of Sea Captains’. During the Great Plague the site was used as one of London’s plague burial pits.
The legendary explorer ‘Captain James Cook’ worshipped at St. Paul’s and his eldest son was baptised there.
The original church was demolished in 1817 and the present building, was erected in its place in 1821 – and it is said that 75 sea captains are buried there.

St George-in-the-East – Was built in 1729 and was Shadwell’s Anglican Church dedicated (obviously) to Saint George
The church took a hit from the WW2 bombing blitz, which destroyed a lot of the church’s interior, but the exterior walls and its “pepper-pot” towers remained intact.

St George-in-the-East is located on Shadwell’s Cannon Street Road, between ‘The Highway’ and ‘Cable Street’ – and it once appeared in the 1980 film The Long Good Friday starring Bob Hoskins.

In Shadwell’s King Edward’s Park, down its entrance near the Thames, is one of the four ‘shafts’ that once led down to the ‘Rotherhithe Pedestrian Foot Tunnel’. Originally this wonderful little ‘shaft’ building used to be a pedestrian route to the tunnel. The metal grills fixed to its windows, still have the lovely old ornate ‘London County Council’ (LCC) iron work designs on display.

So – Shadwell E1 – an area steeped in history, and a great place to spend a few hours exploring the ‘Basin’ (the most significant stretch of water surviving from the old historical London Docks) – and a place where you can also check out the Cable Street mural – the 2 magnificent churches – and also admire the splendour of the Georgian and Victorian housing and commercial buildings that still exist in some of Shadwell’s streets.

After a few hours trekking round Shadwell, and before setting off back home, I nipped into a pub called the ‘Hungerford Arms’ in nearby Commercial Street, for the mandatory quick ‘cheeky’ beer – there has been a pub on this sight for a couple of centuries, and the present building date’s way back to 1871.

All in all, the sights of Shadwell make a very pleasant day out.

Hope you enjoy the accompanying photos.

Shadwell is served by the ‘Overground’ station (as per this photo) and also a Docklands Light Railway station – both providing direct links to central London and beyond

 

Me – on me way to the ‘Shadwell Basin’

 

Views from ‘Shadwell Basin’

 

Shadwell Basin – with a view of the steeple of St. Paul’s Church

 

Shadwell Basin – with The Shard – the Gherkin – the Cheese Grater all in view

 

Shadwell Basin – now used for various watersport activities

 

Cable Street – Shadwell. So named because it was once the location of the ‘rope making’ industries for shipping on the nearby Thames

 

The red plaque on display in Cable Street-Shadwell – to commemorate the infamous ‘Battle of Cable Street’ in 1936

 

The ‘Battle of Cable Street’ Mural – on the side of what once was the old Shadwell Town Hall

 

A close-up of the Battle of Cable Street mural

 

A close-up of the Battle of Cable Street mural

 

A close-up of the Battle of Cable Street mural

 

A close-up of the Battle of Cable Street mural

 

Me – by the Battle of Cable Street mural

 

 

St. Paul’s Church – Shadwell

 

St. Paul’s Church – Shadwell

 

St. Paul’s Church – Shadwell

 

The graveyard of St. Paul’s Church-Shadwell – where it is said that up to 75 sea captains are buried

 

Me – ambling around in the churchyard of St. Paul’s church

 

Shadwell Basin – with a view of the steeple of St. Paul’s Church

 

A blue plaque – commemorating the fact that the legendary explorer “Captain James Cook” was once a resident of Shadwell

 

St. George’s Church – Shadwell – built in 1729

 

St. George’s Church – Shadwell – built in 1729

 

The gravestones displayed in St. George’s Church – Shadwell

 

The War Memorial – St. George’s Church

 

Me – amongst the gravestones in St. George’s Church – Shadwell

 

Examples of just some of the old Georgian & Victorian residential houses that can be found in Shadwell

 

Examples of just some of the old Georgian & Victorian residential & commercial houses and properties that can be found in Shadwell

 

Examples of just some of the old Georgian & Victorian residential houses that can be found in Shadwell

 

Examples of just some of the old Georgian & Victorian residential & commercial houses and properties that can be found in Shadwell

 

Examples of just some of the old Georgian & Victorian residential houses that can be found in Shadwell

 

Today – a large proportion of Shadwell’s residents are from Asian backgrounds – at in Chapman Street, within the old railway arches, there are many retail businesses that cater for the community.

 

At the original entrance to the Shadwell Basin – leading in from the Thames. Spookily – the view of Canary Wharf is actually on the same side of the River as Shadwell – and yet it gives the appearance of being on the other side of the Thames

 

‘London Shoes’ on the beaches of Shadwell-London E1

 

With the tide out – I climbed down some old wharf steps and took a stroll along the ‘beach’

 

 

Looking west towards the ‘City’ – from the ‘beach’

 

Looking east toward Canary Wharf – down on Shadwell’s ‘beach’ 🙂 Again – Canary Wharf is on the same side of the River as Shadwell

 

Another view of the Thames from the Shadwell ‘beach’

 

The 1920’s iron ‘bascule’ bridge at the entrance to the Shadwell Basin from the Thames. The bridge is still used today, but it is no longer lifted

 

The original Fire Station at Shadwell, was London’s oldest Fire Station. This new one has been erected in its place – and was opened last year by Prince Charles

 

The original Fire Station at Shadwell, which was London’s oldest Fire Station.

 

In Shadwell’s “King Edward Memorial Park”

 

In Shadwell’s “King Edward Memorial Park”

 

St. Paul’s Church steeple – as viewed from Shadwell’s ‘King Edward Memorial Park’

 

At the Thames entrance to Shadwell’s King Edward’s Park, is a magnificently preserved old Victorian ‘shaft’ building that was once a foot tunnel entrance to the Rotherhithe Tunnel

 

The ornate decorative iron displays covering the windows of the old tunnel ‘shaft’ – which have the old ‘LCC (London County Council) emblem on them

 

The ‘Hungerford Arms’ pub in Commercial Street – just north of Shadwell – this pub building dates back to the late 1800’s

 

Neckin’ down a ‘cheeky’ one in the Hungerford Arms – Commercial Street

 

 

 

 

“Pellicci’s” – Bethnal Green-E2 – one of London’s classic cafe’s

Posted on by Posted in Cafes .

One of the e-mails received into the London Shoes in-box this week, was from a lady in New Zealand, who said how much she enjoyed following the website, especially reading about the London she emigrated from many years ago.

She enquired as to whether I had considered ‘blogging’ some of the old east end café’s that might still be around – as she has wonderful childhood memories , of visiting her grandparents in Bethnal Green, and regularly being taken by them to Pellicci’s in the Bethnal Green Road, for a good old ‘fry-up’.

So – with that in mind, and on this ‘Shoes’ followers suggestion – I headed off this week to Bethnal Green-E2 – an area I know well from my ‘drinking’ nights out in my teens back in the 1970’s, and later in the 1990’s when I worked just down the road at Barclays in Mare St-Hackney.
Anyway – the subject matter of this week’s publication onto the London Shoes website is all about the legendary Pellicci’s Café in the Bethnal Green Road.

The history of this iconic café goes back a long way, and it is very much a ‘family affair’, and a fascinating story.

In 1900, an Italian from Tuscany named Priamo Pellicci started working at a little café in Bethnal Green – and when the owner decided to sell the business, Mr Pellicci, with a little financial assistance from his family, decided to buy it – and ran it successfully with his wife Elide, whilst also raising their 7 children – all living above the café.

When Mr Priamo Pellicci passed away in 1931, his wife Elide took over the reins and the café continued to thrive and throughout the subsequent decades the business continued to be run by their children – as it still is to this very day.

Pellicci’s became (and still is) a very popular haunt for, not only market stall holders and cabbies, but all the local community, and even today, it is one of the social hubs of the area, where customers are treated like family.

Throughout the 50’s & 60’s it was regularly frequented by the notorious Kray twins, and legend has it that they would often have a ‘quiet word’ in the ear of anyone heard swearing in front of Mrs Pellicci.

When my wife Angela first started work back in 1973, at Barclays Bank in the Bethnal Green – she recalls that the branch Messenger (back in the days when most branches had messengers), used to cross the busy Bethnal Green Road to Pellicci’s, to collect the Branch Managers dinner, which was then placed on a silver salver, and with a silver lid on top, he then used to negotiate crossing the busy road, back to the branch. To this day, my wife says that the Pellicci toasted cheese sarnies are the best ever!!

Apart from its regulars, Pellicci’s has also been a popular stopping-off place for local east-end celebs throughout the decades – and today, because it has been around for so long, it is now also popular with tourists and sightseers.

This small café seats 33 inside, and there are now also a few seats outside – and the place is always extremely busy.

Many of the original fixtures and fittings are still in place such as old formica tables – an old style push-down till – wall panels of ornate wooden marquetry – a couple of small stained glass windows – old decorative ceramic tiling – plus paintings and photos of the departed Pellicci ancestry – and as a result, this wonderful establishment is now, quite rightly, designated a Grade II listed building.

So – with all the social changes there have been since the Pellicci’s first started the cafe here, way back in in 1900 – and in a world where almost every high street in every town is dominated by faceless corporate coffee conglomerates such as Starbucks, Costa & Nero etc – I personally find it comforting to know that there are still places like Pellicci’s café around, that have a bit of history and a vibe about them – and long may they continue to serve their communities.

No ‘cheeky’ beer for me this week, but instead I had a bacon roll washed down with a ‘tantalising’ tea – at Pellicci’s of course.

Bethnal Green tube station on the Central Line – and the nearest station to Pellicci’s Café

 

Bethnal Green Road – London E2 – the location of Pellicci’s

 

Bethnal Green Road – looking east – the location of Pellicci’s Café

 

The start of Bethnal Green Road – the location of Pellicci’s café

 

Me – at the start of Bethnal Green Road – the location of Pellicci’s

 

The old neon shop sign Pellicci’s – in the Bethnal Green Road

 

The actual Pellicci’s – Bethnal Green Road

 

A view of Pellicci’s from the other side of the Bethnal Green Road

 

Me – outside Pellicci’s

 

Another street view of Pellicci’s

 

Pellicci’s Café – which now has some seating outside

 

Inside Pellicci’s

 

Inside Pellicci’s

 

Inside Pellicci’s

 

Inside Pellicci’s

 

Me – tucking into a bacon roll at Pellicci’s

 

Me – necking down a nice cup of ‘rosy’ in Pellicci’s

 

Time for another ‘rosy’ at Pellicci’s before heading back home

 

 

“Greenland Dock”-Rotherhithe-London SE16 – then & now

Posted on by Posted in Historic Docks .

For the publication onto the London Shoes website this week – I decided to take advantage of the unusually warm and sunny weather, and venture across the ‘Water’ in the direction of ‘Sarf’ London (e.g. the dark side) to check out a particular place of London’s historic old docklands, that I had never visited before – and I’m glad that I did as it is a really scenic and tranquil place – and well worth a visit.

This week’s blog is all about “Greenland Dock” in Rotherhithe, London SE 16.

Greenland Dock was the oldest of London’s riverside docks – and fortunately, a good proportion of it still survives today.

Work to excavate the Dock started in 1695 – and it was finished in 1699, when it was formally named as the ‘Howland Great Wet Dock’ after a Streatham landowner John Howland who had previously owned the marsh lands that were originally there.

When it was first built, the Greenland Dock covered an area of roughly 10 acres. It was expanded over the following decades, to the extent that in its heyday its dimensions ended up covering an area of 22 acres, with a depth of 31ft and a length of 2,250ft.

Initially, the Dock had no involvement in the transportation of goods etc – its purpose was for the ‘re-fitting’ of the ships belonging to the large East India Company – however, by the mid 1700’s it had become a base for Arctic whalers.

The whaling ships would come in from Greenland and whale blubber would be boiled up in ‘boiling houses’ situated on the quayside of the Dock, to make oil. This oil was then used for things such as lamps – for machinery lubrication – or for soaps. The left over bones of the whales were then used in the manufacture of umbrellas and ladies corsets.

As a result of this whaling activity, the dock was re-named ‘Greenland Dock’.

However, the early 1800’s saw a rapid decline in the whaling industry and as a result, trade at Greenland Dock began to suffer.

In 1806 the dock was sold to a wealthy Greenwich timber merchant. Timber (also known as ‘Deal’) then dominated Greenland Dock for the next 100 years, and huge warehouses were built to accommodate timber storage – also small ‘cuts’ and ‘ponds’ were excavated between Greenland Dock and the other docks in the area, to enable easy movement of cargo.

One such ‘sub-dock’ was ‘South Dock’ which was opened in 1811 right next to Greenland Dock and was connected to it by a small channel called the ‘Greenland Cut’. South Dock also had its own lock which gave it direct access to the Thames.

By this time at least 80% of the Rotherhithe area of London was occupied by docks – there was Russia Dock – Quebec Dock – Canada Dock – Norway Dock, all named because of the countries they were trading with – and there were also smaller docks such as Albion Dock – Acorn Dock and Lavender Dock – and the entire dockland peninsular area was commercially known as “Surrey Docks”.

During the 1800’s and beyond, Greenland Dock handled the majority of the trade in Scandinavian and Russian (Baltic) timber.

Greenland Dock and its surrounding docks that dealt with timber – had a completely different working culture to the docks north of the River on the Isle of Dogs. The movement of the timber arriving at the dock was dealt with by the much in demand and essential ‘Deal Porters’ – dock workers who specialised in carrying huge loads of deal (e.g. timber) across their shoulders and who wore special headgear to protect their heads from the rough wood.

Also, vast quantities of ‘Grain’ transported from Canada, was the other prominent cargo handled at Greenland Dock.

As a result of this increase in business, the dock was enlarged in 1904. The expansion created a large entrance lock and a depth of 31 feet allowing much bigger ships to enter, such as Cunard A class liners carrying cargo and passengers between London and Canada.

In 1909 Greenland Dock, along with all of the other London docks, were amalgamated, and came under the management of the Port of London Authority.

Business was booming and everything was ticking along nicely until WW2, when Greenland Dock and its immediate neighbour South Dock, as with all the other London docks – took a massive hit from German bombers during the Blitz.

Greenland Dock was very badly damaged – with most of its warehouses and dockside equipment completely destroyed – and because ‘timber’ was its main product, the fires that ensued, ravaged everything in sight.

However, following the war – Greenland Dock did manage to get itself back up and running again – but the gradual introduction of new transportation methods such as ‘containerisation’ soon signalled the beginning of the end for Greenland, and the other London Docks.
The ‘deal porters’ jobs and other docker related jobs started to slowly fade away, and by 1970 the Greenland Dock had fallen into disuse and was eventually was closed.

Greenland Dock then stood derelict for at least a decade until 1981 when the “London Docklands Development Corporation”(LDDC) bought and took over Greenland and the other surrounding docks in the area.

Throughout the 1980’s and 1990’s the entire ‘Surrey Docks’ area, was extensively re-developed. The majority of the docks situated there were filled in and thousands of new residential homes and apartments were built in their place – and the area was renamed as ‘Surrey Quays’, which also now has its own overground railway station.

Greenland Dock and South Dock, although reduced in size, remained in situ. Greenland Dock was converted into a water sports centre and a mooring for houseboats, whilst South Dock was converted into a Marina, which is today the largest in London.

Today, this old docklands area of South London is dominated by luxury residential properties, such as the Greenland Passage development and the gated New Caledonian Wharf.

The streets surrounding Greenland Dock reference the past life of the area, with names such as:- Greenland Quay – Deal Porter Way – Capstan Road – Finland Street – Norway Gate – Ropemaker Road – Onega Gate – Brunswick Quay and of course there is Canada Water tube station.

Although there are no longer any of the old dockside warehouses, many of the old docks quayside fixtures and fittings remain such as:- capstans – the swing bridge over the lock leading out to the Thames – the lock sluice mechanisms – the original ‘Tide Gauge House’ at the entrance to the dock – the old lock-keepers house, plus many more smaller fixtures connected to the old days.

Apart from watersports, one of the other main attractions of the dock today is its wildlife – with birds such as coots, grebes, swans, ducks, cormorants, Canada geese and herons – all regular visitors to Greenland Dock.

Keeping in line with its whaling history, Greenland Dock also has the ‘Moby Dick’ pub – a 1980’s built boozer that provides its punters with a lovely scenic view across its waters – and, after a good few hours exploring the old dock sites – it was the obvious place for me to go, to enjoy a couple of mandatory ‘cheeky’ ones sitting in the Autumn sun – and very pleasant it was too.

So – Greenland Dock, just a short hop across the River from Canary Wharf and the Isle of Dogs – served by either Canada Water tube station or Surrey Quays overground station – it’s a location rich in dockland history, and a really great place to spend a few hours.

Hope you enjoy the accompanying photos.

An old illustration showing just how many ‘docks’ there were, that made up the ‘Surrey Dock’ on this particular peninsular of the Thames – Greenland Dock & South Dock, are all that remain today.

 

Canada Water Station – on the Jubilee Line – the nearest tube station to Greenland Dock – just 5mins walk away.

 

An old b&w aerial view from the 1950’s of Greenland Dock & it’s smaller neighbour South Dock

 

A view of Greenland Dock – looking towards the Isle of Dogs on the north side of the River Thames

 

There are numerous ‘info boards’ situated around Greenland Dock – to guide you through its history

 

An example of the detailed street signage – that guides you around Greenland Dock

 

 

Another view of Greenland Dock

 

 

Another scenic view of Greenland Dock

 

More views of Greenland Dock

 

Greenland Quay – that runs along the eastern side of Greenland Dock

 

An old capstan fixture – still in place from the old days of Greenland Dock

 

Watersport is now the major activity on Greenland Dock – providing sailing experience to schools and sailing clubs etc

 

Me – and an old capstan

 

Just one of many boats now moored at Greenland Dock

 

A scene of just some of the old dock related fixtures and fittings, still in situ at Greenland Dock

 

The old ‘Gauge House’ at the entrance to Greenland Dock – with Canary Wharf across the other side of the River, in the distance

 

The plaque on display at the Gauge House – explaining it’s importance to the dock activity taking in Greenland Dock

 

The old ‘Swing Bridge’ still in full working order at the entrance to Greenland Dock

 

The plaque displayed on the Swing Bridge – explaining it’s importance to Greenland Dock

 

Another view of the old ‘Swing Bridge’ still in full working order at the entrance to Greenland Do

The hydraulic lock ‘sluice’ next to the Swing Bridge at the entrance to Greenland Dock

 

The plaque displayed at the hydraulic sluice machinery – explaining it’s importance to the operation of the Greenland Dock lock

 

A view of the entrance to Greenland Dock, taken from the Swing Bridge – with a view of Canary Wharf in the far distance

 

Greenland Pier – looking eastwards along the Thames

 

‘South Dock’ – the much smaller neighbour of Greenland Dock – South Dock is now the largest ‘marina’ in London

 

Another view of ‘South Dock’ marina

 

The entrance to ‘South Dock’

 

Me – and another view of Greenland Dock

 

Wildlife and sailing – Greenland Dock

 

Some Canadian geese – soakin-up-the-rays in Greenland Dock

 

The names of the streets surrounding Greenland Dock – all bear reference to its past history

 

The names of the streets surrounding Greenland Dock – all bear reference to its past history

 

The names of the streets surrounding Greenland Dock – all bear reference to its past history

 

The names of the streets surrounding Greenland Dock – all bear reference to its past history

 

The names of the streets surrounding Greenland Dock – all bear reference to its past history

 

The names of the streets surrounding Greenland Dock – all bear reference to its past history

 

The names of the streets surrounding Greenland Dock – all bear reference to its past history

 

The names of the streets surrounding Greenland Dock – all bear reference to its past history

 

A scene of just some of the old dock related fixtures and fittings, still in situ at Greenland Dock

 

A view of Canary Wharf from Greenland Dock – with a plane making it’s decent into London City Airport

 

A close-up view of Canary Wharf taken from the entrance to Greenland Dock – and a place I spent the last 15yrs of my career working, before I retired in 2017

 

Me – at the mouth of Greenland Dock – with my old work place, Canary Wharf in the distance

 

Just one of the many decorative floral displays in or around Greenland Dock

 

 

 

The old lock-keepers hut – now disused but still in situ at Greenland Dock

 

More views of Greenland Dock

 

An example of sculpture on display at Greenland Dock

 

 

 

A view of Canary Wharf in the distance – from Greenland Dock

 

The Moby Dick – a 1980’s built pub located half way down the west side of Greenland Dock

 

 

Me – neckin’ down a ‘cheeky’ one at the Moby Dick pub in Greenland Dock

 

Another ‘cheeky’ one goes very nicely ‘down-the-hatch’ at the Moby Dick pub in Greenland Dock

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The life & times of “Daniel Mendoza” (1764-1836) – possibly the ‘father’ of Boxing technique

Posted on by Posted in People, Sporting People .

My London Shoes blog for this week had me focusing on a person, as opposed to a place or a location.

Following my research on the person in question, my trek out to the ‘smoke ‘ended up being a bit of a surreal experience, because totally unexpectedly, the subject matter took me on a ‘journey’ that not only revisited the location of a couple of Barclays branches I used to be associated with – but also the conclusion of this persons story, and again, totally unbeknown to me at the outset, led me all the way back to my home town area.

So – this week’s blog is all about the legendary East End bare-knuckle prize fighter ….”Daniel Mendoza” – who was born in 1764 and died in 1836 – A man whose influence on the sport of boxing, is still around today.

As I mentioned above, there were some really strange occurrences about this particular blog – even regarding its selection, as it was not even a topic that was on my lengthy ‘To Do-List’.

So – there I was sitting comfortably at home a couple of weeks ago, whilst the wife was watching her weekly fix of the hospital drama ‘Holby’ on tv – when a particular scene caught my attention. The scene in question had the Jewish surgeon Sacha, kitted out in boxing gloves and giving a punch-bag a good old seeing to. Anyway, at the end of this scene, Sacha delivered a line that was something like “I could be the next Daniel Mendoza”!!!

Now – the mention of that name triggered something in my memory – as some 35yrs or so ago, the wife had bought me a book called “A Pictorial History of Boxing” – and I recalled that one chapter was all about the bare-knuckle prize fighter ‘Daniel Mendoza’. Therefore, that prompted me to dig this book out again and re-read the story of Daniel Mendoza – and having done that, I then felt that I had sufficient material to dedicate a blog to him – but what I didn’t know, was the ‘journey’ that my further research would take me on.

Daniel Mendoza was born into extreme poverty in Whitechapel-London, on 5th July 1764.

He was of Portuguese Jewish decent – and records show that he and his parents and siblings, all worshiped at the ‘Bevis Marks Synagogue’ in Aldgate – which was built in 1701 and is the oldest synagogue in the UK – and still standing to this very day.

As a teenager, Mendoza had a number of shop assistant type jobs, but apparently had a tendency to get into fights to resolve disputes – especially where he felt an injustice had been done to him or his employers.

One such altercation in the street, just happened to be observed by one of the current bare-knuckle prize-fighters, who was so impressed with Mendoza that he took him under his wing, in order to make a proper prize-fighter out of him.

Back in the 1700’s Boxing (or pugilism to give it its correct name) as a ‘sport’, was in its infancy – and had only just started to attract spectator interest.

There was no such thing as weight divisions, or ‘rules’ come to that – and the ‘pugilists’ were mainly extremely tall and hefty blokes, who would literally clump and beat the hell out of their opponent in an ‘anything goes’ manner, using brute strength and ignorance, without any grace or finesse. – and it was not uncommon for fights to last anything up to 40/50 rounds until one of the boxers was completely done-in.
Daniel Mendoza however, had one major disadvantage with being involved in this sport – he was only 5ft 7inches tall and only weighed just under 12 stone – and so on a face to face, toe to toe perspective, he didn’t stand a hope in hell against opponents.

However, Mendoza was not the sort to be deterred by this, and so he went away and thought about how he could possibly adopt a ‘scientific’ approach to fighting blokes who were twice his size and weight.

He worked out that, to have any chance, he would need to be able to ‘dodge’ punches, and also ‘defend’ punches being thrown at him.

Therefore, he worked out a strategy whereby he would ‘back away’ from an on-coming opponent, whilst keeping up his guard by defending his body with an outstretched left arm. With his opponent chasing him around the ring, and Mendoza defending himself with his left arm, he would wait for the opportunity to draw the opponent in to him, and then unleash an upper-cut punch with his right hand, that would then have the effect of almost knocking the opponents head off – an approach that no other boxer had ever adopted before.

When he initially adopted this strategy, other boxers and the spectators weren’t too impressed – as they felt that all this backing away malarkey, ducking and bobbing & weaving from punches by Mendoza, was a sign of cowardice – however, when he started to win major bouts, he soon became the talk of the boxing world, and the envy of all other boxers.

He was soon a major celebrity – drawing in crowds not just from boxing but also putting on boxing exhibitions and also turning up as ‘guest of honour’ at theatres – earning up to £50 (well, guineas actually) per appearance – which was extremely big money back in those days.
It is written that Daniel Mendoza single handily helped transform the popular English stereotype of a Jew from a weak, defenceless person into someone deserving of respect. Even the then King George III was a big fan and it is said that Mendoza was the first Jew that a King had spoken with face-to-face and shook hands with.

His amazing career record speaks for itself, and reads as:- 37 fights – 34 wins – 30 wins by knock-out – only 3 losses.

Throughout the majority of his years of success, Daniel Mendoza lived at No. 3 Paradise Row (the place, name-checked in the popular song ‘On Mother Kelly’s Doorstep’) in Bethnal Green – and it was here that Mendoza wrote his historically renowned book “The Art of Boxing”, which was all about his ‘scientific’ strategies and techniques towards boxing.

One of his most famous fights was in 1795, where he actually lost to ‘Gentleman’ John Jackson – and I was totally surprised to find out that this fight was held in ‘Hornchurch-Essex’ literally a mile or so down the road to where I live in Romford.

This fight in Hornchurch was held at a place known locally as ‘The Dell’, which was a large gravel pit right next to the historic landmark of St. Andrews church.

Apparently over 3000 spectators turned up for the fight at The Dell, and it is said that it was one of the first ever fights where spectators paid for the privilege of watching the event.

Unfortunately, the fight at The Dell was all over in 10 rounds when his opponent pulled on Mendoza’s long hair, whilst pummeling him in the face. Mendoza wore his hair long because of his Jewish faith – but after that particular bout, all bare-knuckle fighters made sure that their hair was shorn before entering the ring.

Today – The Dell is simply an overgrown pitted area – but I still went in search of it for this blog.

After he packed up boxing Mendoza became land lord of the ‘Admiral Nelson’ pub at 299 Whitechapel Road – funnily enough, almost directly opposite the Whitechapel branch of Barclays where I worked in the late 1980’s.

Unfortunately, although Daniel Mendoza made a lot of money from prize-fighting, he was not good at keeping hold of it – to the extent that he ended up doing numerous ‘stretches’ in the notorious ‘Kings Bench’ and later the ‘Queens Bench’ Debtor Prisons in Southwark, in south London.

Sadly Daniel Mendoza died penniless in 1836, at the age of 72 – and was buried at the ‘Novo Jewish Cemetery’ in Mile End – and this is where the story gets spookily interesting from my perspective.

The Novo Jewish Cemetery at Mile End was opened in 1733 – and was the resting place for thousands of Jews throughout the forthcoming centuries – until there was no more room.

The land was bought up in 1972, and built on to house the current Queen Mary College (QMC) University campus – with the proviso that one-third of the graveyard remained in situ and untouched.

Now – back in the late 1980’s when I worked at Whitechapel branch, we had a sub-branch at the University site, and another at Mile End Station – and it was my job once a week, to visit the Mile End Station and the University sub branches, just to make sure that everything was ticking over ok – and I never once noticed the Novo graveyard at the University branch.

On display on an exterior wall of the University Library, there is a plaque that commemorates the achievements of ‘Daniel Mendoza’ that was unveiled by the late great Sir Henry Cooper in 2008 – and the fact that Mendoza was buried there.

However – this story’s journey doesn’t end there.

When they were building the University campus at the Novo Jewish Cemetery, two thirds of the graves had to be moved – and again, totally unbeknown to me, the remains, including those of Daniel Mendoza, were dug up, moved and interred in a mass grave at a Jewish Cemetery located in Brentwood-Essex – and just like it was with The Dell boxing venue – literally just down the road from where I live in Romford – how weird is that!!!

So – finally, bringing the life and times of the ‘father’ of boxing technique as we know it today, to a close – the one other interesting fact about the legendary Daniel Mendoza, is that he is the Great- Great Grandad of the legendary actor/comedian ‘Peter Sellers’ – and it is reported that when doing ‘room scenes’ for his iconic ‘Inspector Clouseau’ films, Sellers would always insist that a picture of his Great -Great Grand Father Daniel Mendoza, should be displayed on a wall somewhere.

After an exhausting day checking out all the ‘Mendoza landmarks I’ve mentioned above – I nipped in for a ‘cheeky’ couple of beers, at one of my ‘locals’ The Railway Hotel pub in Hornchurch, right next door to Hornchurch tube station, and literally just a couple of minutes’ walk from the site of ‘The Dell’ – the scene of one of Daniel Mendoza’s many historic fights.

Sorry this one has dragged on a bit, but I felt it was interesting story and one worth telling – hope you enjoy the accompanying photos.

”Daniel Mendoza” – who was born in 1764 and died in 1836 – A man whose influence on the sport of boxing, is still around today – (the photo was taken from a page in my Boxing book)

 

The book that my missus bought me some 35+yrs ago – from where I initially found out all about Daniel Mendoza

 

The entrance to the ‘Bevis Marks Synagogue’ in Aldgate – which was built in 1701 and is the oldest synagogue in the UK. It is a gated property today and unfortunately I was not permitted entry beyond its gates.

 

Taken through its gates – a photo of the ‘Bevis Marks Synagogue’ in Aldgate – built in 1701 and is the oldest synagogue in the UK

 

Me – at the gates of the Bevis Marks Synagogue – Aldgate – Where Daniel Mendoza worshipped

 

The view outside the gates of the Bevis Marks synagogue – not sure what Daniel Mendoza would have made of this

 

An early illustration of Daniel Mendoza – “The Fighting Jew”

 

Paradise Row – Bethnal Green – where Daniel Mendoza lived

 

A view of Paradise Row – taken from outside Bethnal Green tube station

 

No. 3 Paradise Row – home of Daniel Mendoza – you can just about see the ‘blue plaque’ commemorating his occupancy

 

A view along Paradise Row-Bethany Green – Where Mendoza lived at No.3

 

A close-up of the blue plaque on the outside wall of No.3 Paradise Row

 

Me – outside Mendoza’s home at No.3 Paradise Row – Bethnal Green

 

St. Andrews Church – Hornchurch-Essex. The site of ‘The Dell’ gravel pit runs directly alongside to the right of this location.

 

Me – on the trail of finding The Dell

 

Still on the trail of finding The Dell….(it’s well hidden)

 

Although totally overgrown these days – a photo looking down at the old gravel pit that was known as The Dell – and the location of Daniel Mendoza’s historic contest with ‘Gentleman’ John Jackson – Where reportedly 3000 spectators ‘paid’ to watch Mendoza lose

 

Me – having finally located the site known as The Dell – in Hornchurch

 

An illustration from my Boxing book – that depicts a typical scene at a Daniel Mendoza fight

 

Mendoza Close – in Hornchurch-Essex – obviously named after the famous boxer that once fought at The Dell in Hornchurch

 

299 Whitechapel High Street – once the site of the Admiral Nelson pub – where Daniel Mendoza was landlord, after he had hung up his gloves

 

Me – directly outside the address of 299 Whitechapel High St-London E1 – where once Daniel Mendoza ran the ‘Admiral Nelson’ pub

 

Me – outside Barclays Whitechapel branch where I used to work back in the late 1980’s – and it is almost directly opposite the site where the old Admiral Nelson pub once run by Daniel Mendoza, used to be at 299 Whitechapel

 

Queen Mary University – Mile End

 

The remains of the Jewish Novo Cemetery – located bang in the middle of the University campus in Mile End

 

A view of the Jewish Novo Cemetery in the middle of the University campus at Mile End

 

The remaining graves at the Jewish Novo Cemetery

 

Another view of the remaining graves – in the middle of the University campus

 

Another view of the graves at the Jewish Novo Cemetery in the middle of the Queen Mary University campus – the original burial site of Daniel Mendoza

 

Me – next to the graves at the Novo Cemetery

 

A close-up of the Mendoza commemorative plaque at the University – that was unveiled by Sir Henry Cooper in 2008

 

A closer close-up of the Mendoza commemorative plaque at Queen Mary University

 

Me – having located the commemorative plaque to Daniel Mendoza – on display on a wall of the University Library Mile End – and right next to the Novo Cemetery where Daniel Mendoza was originally buried

 

The entrance to the purpose built Jewish Cemetery at Brentwood-Essex – where approximately two thirds of the remains buried at the Novo Cemetery, were moved to when the University started building on the land at Mile End

 

The mass grave at the Jewish Cemetery at Brentwood-Essex – where two thirds of the original Novo Cemetery remains where moved to and laid to rest

 

The ‘Railway Hotel’ pub in Hornchurch-Essex – right next to Hornchurch tube station – and no more that a couple of minutes walk from what was The Dell – the location of Daniel Mendoza’s fight with ‘Gentleman’ John Jackson in 1795. The pub was opened in the 1930’s to coincide with the electrification of the District Line and Hornchurch as an Underground Station

 

A knackered me outside The Railway pub in Hornchurch-Essex

 

‘Seconds Out’ – me neckin’ down a cheeky one in The Railway Hotel pub Hornchurch-Essex – before ‘throwing in the towel’ after a long day

 

 

 

The “Painted Hall” Greenwich – Britain’s very own ‘Sistine Chapel’!!

Posted on by Posted in Historic Buildings .

 

Those of you that follow my London Shoes blogs will be aware that I try to steer clear of the more ‘touristy’ landmarks/ & locations of this wonderful City – but last week was an exception, as it was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to (literally) get right up close to, and experience something happening at the location in question, that probably won’t be repeated again in my lifetime, and quite possibly many years after that.

The timing of my visit to this place was critical, as from the 30th Sept onwards – it would not have been possible.

So – last week’s trek out was down to the Thames at Greenwich – to specifically pay a visit to the magnificent historic “Painted Hall”.

The ‘Painted Hall’ is part of the Old Royal Naval College, which was designed by Sir Christopher Wren, and opened in 1694, as a dining hall for retired sailors of Britain’s Royal Navy’.

The ‘Painted Hall’ is quite simply London’s equivalent of Michelangelo’s “Sistine Chapel”.

It displays the largest ‘ceiling painting’ in northern Europe – and is one of Britain’s greatest artistic treasures.

The Painted Ceiling, and the wall paintings, were designed and produced by the British artist Sir James Thornhill – who was a close associate of the famous architect Sir Christopher Wren.

Thornhill started his ‘paint-job’ in 1707, and finished it in 1726.

The theme of the painted 40,000 sq ft ceiling is a sort of ‘political’ statement of the time, that was designed to depict the might of Britain’s strength and imperialism throughout the world, and to also to show-off its maritime and trading successes – at a time when Britannia really did ‘rule-the-waves’.

James Thornhill was paid £1 per sq ft for the wall paintings and £3 per sq ft for the ceiling – and for this work Thornhill received a knighthood – making him the very first artist to be made a ‘Sir’.

In fact, in the very corner of the main ‘wall’ painting at one end of the Hall – Sir James Thornhill has painted himself doing a bit of a cameo appearance – striking a pose, where he appears to be holding out his hand for his ‘payment’ for the job!!!

The Painted Hall was also the place where Admiral Lord Nelson lay in state for 3 days following his death in 1806 – before being buried further down the River Thames at St. Paul’s Cathedral.

From 1824, and for the following century – the Painted Hall was home to the First National Gallery of Naval Art – where hundreds of paintings by world renowned from all over the world, would be placed on display throughout the hall floor area.

Later on, the Painted Hall was used as an official dining room for trainee Royal Navy officers – and these days it is also used as a venue for many high level functions and weddings etc.

Obviously, over the centuries since it was built, the quality of the paintings on the ceiling of the Painted Hall, naturally deteriorated as the years passed by.

2016 saw the commencement of a major 3 year project to restore and conserve the paintings on the ceiling of the Hall, so that Sir James Thornhill’s work could be returned to its former glory.

This huge and pains taking extensive project required scaffolding to be erected and walkways to be built, to enable the skilled ‘conservers’ to be able to work 60 ft up in the air.

Special gantries and flooring were also erected to allow paying ‘punters’ to reach touching distance of the ceiling – for a chance-of-a-lifetime opportunity to get a close-up view of the artwork and watch the ‘conservers’ at work.

This programme of one-off guided tours of the Ceiling ran until 30th Sept 2018 – and I was fortunate enough to get myself on the visitors list for this ‘tour’, just a couple of days before it closed down – and I am very pleased that I did, as it’s not the sort of thing you get the chance to see – and who knows when such an opportunity is likely to raise itself again.

Hope you enjoy the ‘photo’ tour 🙂

 

The Royal Naval College – Greenwich. Designed by Sir Christopher Wren and opened in 1694

 

A view from Greenwich, looking towards the River Thames – and with my old workplace at Canary Wharf, in the distance on the other side of the River

 

Me – at Greenwich

 

The ‘Painted Hall’ – Greenwich

 

A view of what the inside of The Painted Hall looked like before the extensive restoration project began in 2016

 

The Painted Hall today – with all the scaffolding and gantries, enabling the ‘conservers’ to be able to work on its ceiling

 

One of Sir James Thornhill’s paintings – on the far wall of The Painted Hall

 

A close-up of Sir James Thornhill’s painting on the far wall of The Painted Hall

 

Sir James Thornhill himself – making a cameo appearance in his painting at the far wall of The Painted Hall – I think he may be asking for his payment

 

60 ft up in The Painted Hall – a tour of the ceiling begins

 

A close-up view of the ceiling of The Painted Hall

 

A ‘conserver’ hard at work on the ceiling of The Painted Hall.

 

Another ‘conserver’ working on the ceiling of The Painted Hall

 

A ‘tourist’ up on the ceiling 🙂 As old Lionel Ritchie would say “Oh what a feeling – when we’re ‘painting’ on the ceiling”

 

A close-up view of just some of the artistry displayed on the ceiling of The Painted Hall.

 

A close-up view of just some of the artistry displayed on the ceiling of The Painted Hall.

 

A view of the entire expanse of The Painted Hall ceiling

 

Tucked away in a corner of the ceiling of The Painted Hall – are the restoration materials being used by the ‘conservers’

 

A ‘conserver’ hard at work on the ceiling of The Painted Hall.

 

A close-up view of just some of the artistry displayed on the ceiling of The Painted Hall.

 

A close-up view of just some of the artistry displayed on the ceiling of The Painted Hall.

 

Me – and my tour guide headphones – admiring the artistry on the ceiling of The Painted Hall

 

A close-up view of just some of the artistry displayed on the ceiling of The Painted Hall.

 

A close-up view of just some of the artistry displayed on the ceiling of The Painted Hall.

 

 

Me – at the end of ‘touring’ the ceiling at The Painted Hall

 

 

 

 

 

London Underground – Some Fascinating Facts – Pt1

Posted on by Posted in Transport - Rail .

My posting onto the London Shoes website for last week’s quite exhausting jaunt out, focusses a subject matter that anyone living, working, passing through or just visiting London, will have ‘touched’ and experienced at some stage – and that is the “London Underground”.

Now – as this is such a vast topic, I intend to present coverage by way of a series of mini-blogs throughout the coming months – but for this particular posting I have centered on some of the lesser known and more unusual ‘not a lot of people know that’ type of fascinating-facts, of what is the oldest and still one of the biggest underground railways networks on the planet.

To start with I will simply reel-off some of the amazing historical and statistical ‘facts’ about this city’s iconic underground/tube network:-
General ‘Tube’ facts:-

The very first Underground Railway in London opened on 10th January 1863 and it ran from Paddington to Farringdon via Baker Street.

The underground network became known as the “Tube” as early as the beginning of the 1900’s, as this was an abbreviation “The Twopenny Tube”, which was the name given to the Central Line because all fares cost tuppence.

Today, the London Underground network consists of 11 lines, with over 250 miles of track – where 270 stations service up to 5 million passenger journeys per day.

Although it’s universally known as the ‘Underground’, 55% of the tube network is actually situated above ground.

Out of its 270 stations, there are only 29 of them located south of the River Thames

So let’s now look at some “not a lot of people know that” type facts of just some its stations:-

ANGEL 
(Northern Line)
Has 2 ‘claims-to-fame’.

It has the Underground’s longest escalator at 60m, with a vertical rise of 27.5m. It is actually the 4th longest tube escalator in Western Europe
Also – the southbound platform at Angel is the widest platform of the tube network.

BAKER STREET
(Circle – Hammersmith & City – Bakerloo – Jubilee lines)
Baker Street station has the most platforms of any other tube station of the underground network – 10 in total – because it is a station where a number of the individual lines converge or cross over.

BANK
(Central – Waterloo & City – Northern line & linked to Docklands Light Railway)
Bank station has a total of 12 exits/entrances – the most of any tube station of the underground network.

HAMPSTEAD 
(Northern Line)
Hampstead is the deepest station of the tube network.

At 58m below ground – it’s deeper than Nelson’s Column is high, and that’s deep.
When it was opened in 1907, it was designed be named ‘Heath Street’ – but a decision was made at the very last minute to name it as just Hampstead – and to this day, the original tile notices on the platform, still say ‘Heath Street’ – now not a lot of people know that!!

LONDON BRIDGE
(Jubilee Line & Northern Line)
London Bridge station is the only one throughout the entire tube network to actually have the word ‘London’ in its title.

SLOANE SQUARE 
(District / Circle lines)
Has the unique distinction of being the only station where a river runs ‘over’ the top of it.

The ‘River Westbourne’ literally runs through the station – it is re-directed by piping contained within its own little iron bridge which is suspended over the platforms.

STRATFORD 
(Central Line – Jubilee – DLR – London Overground)
Stratford has 2 ‘claims-to-fame’.

It has the shortest escalator on the entire tube network, with a rise of only 4.1m – you can spit further than that!!

Another claim to fame for Stratford station is that it is one of only 2 underground stations where, on the westbound Central Line platforms – the doors of the carriages open on both sides.

BARKING 
(District Line – Hammersmith & City Line)
Barking station is the other tube station where the carriage doors open on both sides. The doors open on both sides of the train on the eastbound District line platforms.

WATERLOO
(Bakerloo – Jubilee – Waterloo & City – Northern lines)
Has a huge total of ‘23’ escalators in service – the most by far, of any other tube station on the London Underground

WHITECHAPEL
(District / Hammersmith & City / London Overground)
Whitechapel is a weird one, living in its own back-to-front world, because the Overground line is actually underground – and the Underground lines are actually overground – the only station of the tube network where this happens!!

LEICESTER SQUARE to COVENT GARDEN 
(Northern Line / Piccadilly Line)
The ‘shortest’ journey on the underground is Leicester Square to Covent Garden, where the distance between the 2 stations is roughly 980ft – and bearing in mind the cheapest fare on the tube is £4.50, then that’s an expensive journey…..much cheaper and more practical to get on your trotters and walk.

So – having slaughtered my faithful old 60+Oyster Card, trekking all over the London Underground, I decided to pop in to ‘The Spotted Dog’ pub in Barking, just a few yards from the station, and very close to where I grew up in Ilford – It’s a pub that I used to frequent quite a bit in my yoof some 45+ years ago, especially when on route to Upton Park to watch my beloved ‘Hammers’ play, back in the good old days.

It was a rough old joint back then, and my God, it’s no better today .

Anyway, the ‘Dog’ was built in 1870, and its haunted cellars are said to be full of secret tunnels leading to what were once nearby docks down at Barking Creek and Dagenham – and used by smugglers to hide and their swag.

The pub used to be the ‘local’ for railway workers, and there are still a number of rail related artefacts on display in there, from days gone by.
Anyway – hope you found Part 1 of all this tube stuff interesting, and you enjoyed the accompanying photos.

Now…..’mind the gap’ please

 

A plaque on display at Baker Street station – that commemorates the London’s very first underground railway journey

 

Baker Street station has the most platforms of any other tube station of the underground network – 10 in total – because it is a station where a number of the individual lines converge or cross over

 

A scene from just one of the 10 platforms at Baker Street station

 

A number of tube lines converge or cross over at Baker Street station – hence the more than usual number of platforms

 

Another example of the underground lines that pass through Baker Street – servicing the 10 platforms situated there.

 

Throughout Baker Street station – inside & outside – there are references to Sherlock Holmes, it’s most famous fictional character

 

A commemorative plaque on display at Baker Street station – that references the stations involvement in London’s very first underground journey, way back in 1863

 

Angel tube station – on the Northern Line – Has 2 ‘claims-to-fame’

 

The southbound platform at Angel – which is the widest platform of the tube network.

 

Angel tube station – has the Underground’s longest escalator at 60m, with a vertical rise of 27.5m. It is actually the 4th longest tube escalator in Western Europe

 

Me – on the escalator at Angel underground station – one of the longest escalators in Europe

 

Bank station – (Central – Waterloo & City – Northern line & linked to Docklands Light Railway) has a total of 12 exits/entrances – the most of any tube station of the underground network.

 

Me – at just one of the 12 exits/entrances serving Bank tube station

 

Although you won’t be able to identify them all, there are actually 7 of the 12 exits/entrances at Bank station – in this photograph

 

An example of the signage down in Bank station – giving an idea of just how many exits/entrances there are at Bank station

 

Another example of the signage down in Bank station – giving an idea of just how many exits/entrances there are

 

 

And yet another example of the signage down in Bank station – giving an idea of just how many exits/entrances there are

 

Barking station – one of only 2 tube station where the carriage doors open on both sides when the train stops on the eastbound District line platforms

 

The doors opening on both sides of the train on the eastbound District line platform at Barking station

 

 

“Hampstead” – is the deepest station of the tube network. At 58m below ground – it’s deeper than Nelson’s Column is high.

 

When Hampstead underground station was opened in 1907, it was designed be named ‘Heath Street’ – but a decision was made at the very last minute to name it as just Hampstead – and to this day, the original tile notices on the platform, still say ‘Heath Street’

 

Just 2 of the 6 platform to surface lifts that operate at Hampstead tube station – the deepest station of the London Underground network!

 

Me – down in the depths of Hampstead station – the deepest station of the Underground

 

London Bridge station is the only one throughout the entire tube network to actually have the word ‘London’ in its title

 

Sloane Square has the distinction of being the only station where a river runs ‘over’ the TOP of it.

 

Sloane Square station – where the ‘River Westbourne’ literally runs above the rail track – it is re-directed by piping contained within the green coloured iron bridge which is suspended over the platforms.

 

Another view of the River Westbourne running above the tracks at Sloane Square station

 

An info board on display at Sloane Square station, that explains the uniqueness of the River Westbourne running above the tracks at Sloane Square station

 

Waterloo station – where a total of ‘23’ escalators are in service – the most by far, of any other tube station on the London Underground

 

An example of just a couple of the 23 escalators in service at Waterloo tube station

 

Another example of just a few of the 23 escalators in service at Waterloo tube station

 

Whitechapel station – where the Overground line is actually underground – and the Underground lines are actually overground

 

Going ‘underground’ to the ‘overground’ railway at Whitechapel station

 

Going ‘overground’ to the ‘underground’ at Whitechapel station….confused, you will be!!

 

Me – at Whitechapel underground station – that is actually overground

 

Stratford station – that services the Central Line – Jubilee Line, the Docklands Light Railway & the London Overground.

 

Stratford station is one of only 2 underground stations where, on the westbound Central Line platforms – the doors of the carriages open on both sides.

 

Another example of both sets of carriage door opening at the same time – at Stratford station

 

Also – Stratford station has the shortest escalator on the entire tube network, with a rise of only 4.1m

 

The ‘shortest’ journey on the London Underground is between Leicester Square to Covent Garden stations, where the distance between the 2 stations is roughly just 980ft

 

A train departing Leicester Square station – for its 980ft journey to Covent Garden station

 

Covent Garden station- the shortest journey on the underground is between Covent Garden and Leicester Square

 

The connecting tunnel at Covent Garden station – waiting for the arrival of a train from Leicester Square station – just a mere 980 ft down the line

 

‘The Spotted Dog’ pub in Barking, Greater London – built in 1870, and known back in the day for being a railwayman’s pub – also, its haunted cellars are said to be full of secret tunnels leading to what were once nearby docks down at Barking Creek and Dagenham – and used by smugglers to hide and their swag.

 

Me – neckin’ down a ‘cheeky’ beer in The Spotted Dog pub in Barking – just next door to the underground station

 

 

The unique “Shell Huts” of Victoria SW1

Posted on by Posted in Quirky Topics .

The great thing about London, and like most cities – is that it’s not just the ‘big’ stuff in terms of history, that is interesting – there are so many ‘quirky’ landmarks scattered across the metropolis, that people probably take no notice of, or don’t even know are there – and last week I stumbled upon an example of this.

So – the latest publication onto the London Shoes website is all about the “Shell Huts” of Victoria, London SW1.

Also – and totally unbeknown to me when I went there – the pub I ventured into for a ‘cheeky’ beer following my visit – just happened to historically be one of the key landmarks in one of Britain’s most intriguing unsolved crimes – but more of that later.

Anyway – literally right next to Victoria Station are located 2 very small and insignificant public parks areas, known as ‘Lower Grosvenor Gardens’ and ‘Upper Grosvenor Gardens’.

These 2 triangular park spaces, sit on the east and west sides of Grosvenor Gardens.

They’ve been around for a long time, and in fact Lower Grosvenor Gardens is famous for the siting of a large statue of Field Marshal Ferdinand Foch, Commander of Allied Forces in World War 1.

Ferdinand Foch was a French General who took command of the combined English and French forces in WW1 and was influential in steering the path to eventual victory – at a time when it looked like the English and French armies might split apart.

An impressive statue in his honour was erected in Lower Grosvenor in 1930 – with the honorable inscription of his quote:-
“I am conscious of having served England – as I served my own country”.

Lower & Upper Grosvenor Gardens were not really much to write home about in terms of appearance – and during WW2 these 2 parks were used to house loads of air-raid shelters for residents and workers to evacuate to during raids.

After WW2 it was decided that Grosvenor Gardens seriously needed to be tidied up a bit, and made more ‘user-friendly’ – and so some extensive landscape work was undertaken.

In 1952 a Jean Moreux, the then architect-in-chief of the National Monuments and Palaces of France, was commissioned to design something that represented Anglo-French unity – and so he came up with the idea of constructing 2 ‘Shell Huts’ for Lower Grosvenor Gardens!!

The ‘huts’ were built in the style of French 18th century pavilions that were known as ‘fabriques’ – One was to be used for the ‘parkie’ to sit in whilst on duty, and the other to store gardening equipment.

What was so unique about these ‘huts’ is that they were completely covered in ‘shells’ that were collected from the beaches of France and the UK – making them a sort of ‘cross-cultural’ structure.

With the ‘huts’ in place, Grosvenor Gardens was officially opened as “London’s French Garden” in 1952 by the French Ambassador – in General Foch’s memory.

Today, these quirky little ‘huts’ in Lower Grosvenor Garden, still remain in really good condition with all the ‘shells’ still attached, and are now just used to store gardening equipment – although I would guess that not many people are actually aware of their existence – I certainly wasn’t.

In ‘Upper Grosvenor Garden’ there is a massive metallic sculpture entitled ‘Lioness & Lesser Kudu’ that was designed by Jonathan Kenworthy, and put on display in 2000.

So – for my ‘cheeky’ beer before setting off home, I wanted to get away from the grime and chaos of the Victoria Station area – and therefore wandered around streets behind Grosvenor Gardens, where I stumbled upon a nice little boozer called the ‘Plumbers Arms’ in Lower Belgrave Street.

There I was, inside this lovely Grade II listed pub, built in the 1820’s, enjoying a refreshing lager – when I happened to see a transcript in a picture frame on the wall – and upon reading it, I discovered that the ‘Plumbers Arms’ was the pub where, on the evening of 7th November 1974 – Lady Lucan had burst into the bar, covered in blood – screaming “Help me, help me, I’ve just escaped from being murdered” – claiming that, earlier that evening she had sent her children’s nanny, down to the basement kitchen to bring her up a cup of tea – but unbeknown to her, her estranged husband ‘Lord Lucan’ had apparently broken into their house (just a few doors down from the pub, at no.46 Lower Belgrave Street), and had bludgeoned the nanny to death in the mistaken belief that it was his wife Lady Lucan – and we all know what happened after that……or perhaps we don’t!!!

So – it just goes to show – every nook and cranny of this magnificent city, has a story to tell.

Hope you enjoy the accompanying photos.

 

Grosvenor Gardens SW1 – right next to Victoria main-line station

The entrance to ‘Lower Grosvenor Gardens’

 

A view of ‘Lower Grosvenor Gardens’

 

One of the 2 ‘Shell Huts’ in Lower Grosvenor Gardens

 

The entrance to one of the ‘Shell Huts’ in Lower Grosvenor Gardens

 

In this shot you can see both of the ‘Shell Huts’ in Lower Grosvenor Gardens

 

The shells that adorn these huts, were made up of shells from French & UK beaches – to commemorate Anglo French & UK unity

 

In this shot you can just about see both of the ‘Shell Huts’ in Lower Grosvenor Gardens

 

He sells sea shells 🙂

 

Another close-up shot of one of the ‘Shell Huts’

 

More French & UK shells

 

Me & a ‘Shell Hut’

 

The impressive statue in honour of Field Marshal Ferdinand Foch, Commander of Allied Forces in World War 1 – which was erected in Lower Grosvenor in 1930 – with an inscription of his quote:- “I am conscious of having served England – as I served my own country”

 

A close-up of Field Marshal Ferdinand Foch – Commander of Allied Forces in World War 1

 

The entrance to ‘Upper Grosvenor Gardens’

 

A view inside ‘Upper Grosvenor Gardens’

 

In ‘Upper Grosvenor Garden’ there is a sculpture entitled ‘Lioness & Lesser Kudu’ that was designed by Jonathan Kenworthy, and put on display in 2000.

 

Another view of the sculpture entitled ‘Lioness & Lesser Kudu’ that was designed by Jonathan Kenworthy, and put on display in Upper Grosvenor Park in 2000.

 

The commemorative plaque in ‘Upper Grosvenor Gardens’ explaining the background to the Lioness & Lesser Kudu sculpture

 

The “Plumbers Arms” – Lower Belgrave Street – A Grade II listed pub, built in the 1820’s

 

Another view of the “Plumbers Arms” – Lower Belgrave Street – A Grade II listed pub, built in the 1820’s

 

The transcript that caught my eye inside the Plumbers Arms pub – which was all about the events that happened in the pub on the night of 7th November 1974

 

46 Lower Belgrave Street – just a few doors down from the Plumbers Arms – and the one time home of Lord & Lady Lucan

 

Me – outside 46 Lower Belgrave Street -the former home of Lord & Lady Lucan – and the house where the Lucan’s nanny was murdered!!

 

Back outside the Plumbers Arms pub

 

Neckin’ down a ‘cheeky’ beer in the Plumbers Arms

 

Finishing off a second ‘cheeky’ one in the Plumbers Arms