Alternative Bloomsbury

The hottest day of the year so far was probably not the best time to undertake a guided tour of Bloomsbury with my Berkshire book group but we survived and were very glad we did it! The incomparable Carol Harris, social historian 'writing, walking and talking history' treated us to a fascinating walk and talk, taking in many of the lesser well known writers, poets and others who have lived in the Bloomsbury area of London.

We started at Thomas Coram's statue, founder of the Foundling Hospital which I mentioned in my blog of May 8th, both in Brunswick Square, and moved first to Lansdowne Terrace where the literary magazine Horizon was published from 1940-48.

Published every four weeks, Horizon was a review of literature and art and became a platform for a wide range of distinguished and emerging writers (Wikipedia 26.7.18) The magazine made a significant impact on the arts during and just after the war. This area was also home to Alexander Herzen, known as the 'father of Russian socialism' who set up the Russian Free Press in 1853 soon after his exile to London (more fascinating information can be found at - http://sarahjyoung.com/site/2012/04/06/the-free-russian-press-in-london/).

Next to Guilford Street where lived Peter Mark Roget of thesaurus fame. Apparently Roget's "obsession with list making as a coping mechanism was well established by the age of eight"! (Wikipedia 26.7.18) Roget was one of the founders of the brilliantly named "Society for Diffusion of Useful Knowledge" whose aim was to publish information for people who were unable to obtain formal teaching or who preferred self-education. They were accused of

".. doing more to ruin the Book trade than all the change of times, the want of money, the weight of taxes, and even the law of Libel have accomplished;" (The Royal Lady's Magazine 1830). Luckily, the book trade continued to flourish into the 21st century though the expansion of the internet has led to a decline in many areas nowadays. Although books are as popular as ever, independent bookshops are in decline and I urge you to think about supporting them rather than the global marketplace.

Our walk took us past Coram's fields, still dedicated today for the use of children: adults without a child are not allowed!

On through Doughty Street, home of English wit, writer, Anglican cleric and editor of the Edinburgh Review, Sydney Smith, one of whose many quotes I wholeheartedly agree with: "Thank God for tea! What would the world do without tea?—how did it exist? I am glad I was not born before tea."!

Next stop was the home of Robert Owen, considered the 'father of the Co-operative movement'. A Welshman who made his fortune in the cotton trade, he believed in putting his workers in a good environment with access to education for themselves and their children. The Co-operative movement began in the early 19th century and by 1830 there were several hundred co-operatives. Sadly many had failed by the middle of the century. In the early 20th century co-operatives formed a political party which still exists today and has a permanent electoral pact with the Labour party.

We arrived in Mecklenburgh Square (London street names are so evocative of times gone by!) and the home of Mary Elizabeth Braddon who achieved lasting fame with the publication of her sensational novel, Lady Audley's Secret (originally published 1862).

This novel was the beginning of a long and successful writing career and Mary Elizabeth Braddon was famous in her day. Indeed, a film of the book was made as recently as 2000. It's definitely on my summer reading list.

We could not, however, avoid Dickens! The delightful Woburn Walk felt like stepping back in time. In fact, most of the shops are unchanged and Dickens did, apparently, buy his tobacco in one of them.

This is just a taste of our fascinating walk. I cannot mention all the names that tripped from Carol's tongue. I would strongly recommend one of her walks and you can look at what she offers at https://www.carolharrismikebrown.com/