The street of the definite article
The street of the definite article The strand. The one two the iambic chaos The rush through it, on it and under it The busy busy The buses the bridges the protests The lawyers the law courts the justice, The cafes, the authors The Dickens, the Thackery the Makepeace The temple inn The no children…
Read More"The Magician he sparkles in satin and velvet, you gaze at his splendour with eyes you've not used yet" Donovan lyric from Sunny Goodge Street
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Read MoreThe Angry Pacifist
Originally submitted by Papa T I came on this march as a member of the Wandsworth Stop the war coalition. I am angry about the way the war in Iraq was instigated. The lies about weapons of mass destruction, how the politicians stated they existed and posed a real threat to National security. I am angry…
Read MoreLook right
One could walk on. Turn left. Go up. But, for some reason, one looks right. A sight perhaps seen previously, yet coated with a fresh aura. A reflection of the sparkles playing on the river’s surface? A visible echo of the unreachable water depths? The river’s report about the earth’s message to the sun? Movements…
Read MoreWriting postcards
I was recently given some beautiful old Strand postcards to scan for the site. All of the postcards were blank. Instead of simply adding these postcards to the site as they were, I thought they might be used for a little life writing. In Strandlines sessions at the Age Concern Day Centre, Odhams Walk – also with…
Read MoreAldwych 1910
This photograph of the Aldwych, before the building of Bush House, was found on the Partleton ‘In their Shoes’ website.
Read MoreCrown and Anchor tavern
Can anyone tell me where the Crown and Anchor tavern used to be in the Strand? And point me to anywhere I can find out more about it please?
Read MoreMetropole Hotel Invoice
This is an invoice regarding the Metropole (or Metripole as gt Grandpa spelt it). J Garrod was Joseph Garrod, my great grandfather. The business was carried on by Edward, my grandfather and James & William my father and his brother. It is still going, trading as Garrod Brothers in North London. The owners are still family,…
Read MoreAustralia House
Originally submitted by Alan B I am a tired man. my eyes are heavy but I am deep in thought. I guard over Australia House. Am I alive or dead ? When I’m awake I look over the Aldwych towards the Royal Courts of Justice But I am not watching because Justice is in good…
Read MoreMary Brookes, 1603
In 1603 Mary Brookes, a young London woman, was picked up by constables at the house of Agnes Allowin, a laundress and starcher who was also running a bawdy house in three rooms in Northumberland Alley, near Aldgate. Mary Brookes was taken to Bridewell, London’s house of correction on suspicion of sexual misconduct, where she…
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