Quite interesting ride on my Orange Titanium Brompton - Part 2

Hello dear reader. I am glad you came back for part 2 of my recent 'Quite interesting ride on my Orange Titanium Brompton.' 

6. Myddleton Passage. Where a wall is not just a wall!

Regular readers and those of you who follow me on Instagram (you can find me on there by typing @orangebrompton) will know that I do like a brick wall to rest my Brompton and take a photo. This aspect has become a signature element in my posts. This particular wall was very different indeed

Passing by, you might not notice anything at all, but upon closer inspection, it reveals quite a bit. This particular passage was not merely a thoroughfare in the Victorian era, it served as a dark and dingy haunt for ne'er-do-wells, rapscallions, and the local tuffs. What may seem like mundane brickwork at first glance tells a story of its own. The many etchings found in the walls, carved by the hands of bored and fatigued police officers, were in fact their collar numbers. These inscriptions not only provide insight into policing in that era but also reflect the sense of camaraderie among officers grappling with the challenges of their duties. This wall, seemingly unremarkable, thus unearths an insight into Victorian law enforcement.

There are quite a few of these numbers that have been matched to individual police officers. So why did they do it? Possible reasons for doing this, apart from those already mentioned, could have been building rapport between officers and it was just the done thing when you patrolled down Myddleton Passage. 

7. Soho Square - House of Charity chute!

Our next stop was in Soho Square. I cannot honestly say that I have ever been a fan of it, as my only recollection of visiting stems from using it as a lunch venue during my part-time job when I was at university. Even on a Sunday, the area was bustling, yet it was further enlivened by a Hari Krishna event. One particularly enthusiastic participant, possibly a recent convert, boisterously shouted ‘one way!’ while standing in the middle of the road. In an attempt to avoid any offence, I nodded and smiled back, only to have him take a violent dislike to me and reiterate his message with increased volume. It soon dawned on me that he was alluding to the one-way street.

Soho Square, a notable area within London, was once integrated into a royal park primarily utilised for hunting the of unsuspecting mammals and birds that inhabited the space. Thankfully, that grim period of its history has long since passed. The building that captured our interest was the former members' club known as the House of St Barnabas, which played a pivotal role in aiding mainly homeless women through its profits. Prior to its establishment, the site functioned as the House of Charity, a fact which can still be observed on the tiled front of the building. 

Remarkably, one of the railings features a penny chute, a fixture that has endured for over a century. Donations could cascade down this chute for collection and subsequent use in support of the community's needs. It is regrettable, however, that I have witnessed the chute being employed for far less noble pursuits by unsavoury individuals after a night out!

8. EMI Building, Manchester Square

Manchester Square is home to ‘The Wallace Collection’, a charming museum renowned for its extensive assemblage of artwork, sculptures, and various exhibits. Should you find yourself visiting, I sincerely hope that the little restaurant still offers table service. There is a unique pleasure in requesting four teas, two packets of Monster Munch, and two blueberry muffins, which adds to the experience. However, our purpose for being at this location extended beyond merely exploring ‘The Wallace Collection’.

As you might be aware, I am a Beatles fan. I have two blog posts that might be of interest to you if you share this enthusiasm. Click here and then click here as well!

In 1963, the iconic album cover for ‘Please Please Me’ was photographed on the second-floor landing of a building that would later become significant in the Beatles' history. They returned subsequently for another album. Following EMI's departure from the site, the railings, which the Beatles famously leaned over, were relocated to their new premises. This pattern continued with subsequent relocations, leading to a fascinating rumour that Sir Paul McCartney currently possesses these railings, now installed in one of his studios.

9. River Tyburn Conduit, not far from Manchester Square

Also close to Manchester Square, there exists a conduit for the River Tyburn, which flows from South Hampstead through Marylebone, Mayfair, St James, Westminster, and ultimately into the Thames. Reflecting on my youth, I remember venturing to the end of a garden in South Hampstead to witness the modest trickle of water, purportedly the Tyburn. The streets that radiate from Manchester Square predominantly follow a grid formation, save for one, which gracefully curves to align with the natural course of the Tyburn.

10. Victoria Palace Theatre, statue

The theatre, in its current form, opened in 1911, featuring a statue of the renowned Russian ballerina, Anna Pavlova, placed atop it. Pavlova believed it was unlucky to see a statue of herself, and she would shun it whenever she passed by. Tragically, she passed away whilst on tour. Her doctors had advised her to undergo surgery, cautioning that it would prevent her from dancing again. At nearly 50 years of age, and as someone of a similar age, on a personal level I can tell you that my dancing days are over! Anna was not of the same mind. You can surmise what her response to the doctors was, as she passed shortly thereafter.

The Pavlova dessert was purportedly created in her honour during or after one of her tours to Australia and New Zealand, a culinary rivalry that mirrors their cricket and rugby competitions. On that note, I shall conclude for now, eagerly anticipating the opportunity to pen Part 3 when I have recovered from writing Part 2!

Until next time, stay safe out there people!!