Mapping London through Blog Posts

London is made up of many distinct areas, each with their own identity and history and over time I want to explore these using my father’s photos, the books and maps collected over the years and by walking this fascinating city.

The problem with a blog is that Posts are ordered in the time order in which they are created, along with the categories assigned to each Post. This does not show the geographic spread of locations covered in each of the blog posts, and London just cries out to be seen visually whether through photos or a map so the way in which individual areas contribute to what could be defined as Greater London can be identified.

Maps have always interested me, my blog makes much use of Bartholomew’s Greater London Street Atlas from 1940 as this shows the streets of London as they were prior to the considerable development of the post war period.

I have been looking to build an interactive map of my Posts, identifying the locations across London I have covered and the photos taken at each location.

The map below is a Google map with markers at the location of each of my main posts. The map will move, zoom in and out and clicking on a marker will bring up the post reference and the option by clicking on “More Details” to go direct to the main post.

(Have fixed a technical fault with the map, I am rebuilding so markers will gradually be added)

Close
Find Nearby Share Location Get Directions

I will add location markers for each Post as the blog develops to build a geographic representation of my London history.

West End Theatres

As part of my exploration of London, in June 2017 I took a walk to discover all the West End Theatres, to photograph theatre and the production at the theatre at a point in time. The following map identifies all the locations, with links to the relevant post:

Map coming soon

Pubs of the City of London

In July 2020 I went on a walk to search for the pubs of the City of London. This was during the Covid-19 pandemic when the majority of City workers were working at home and when many of the restaurants, coffee shops and pubs of the City were closed.

The City may well be a different place after the pandemic, and I wanted to document the City’s pubs, in order to record any change to their number in future years. The following map records all the pubs I photographed, with a link to the appropriate post.

Map coming soon

Please let me know of any problems using the map.

50 thoughts on “Mapping London through Blog Posts

  1. IM Rawes

    These blog posts and their photos are fantastic. Thank you very much for sharing them. You asked for feedback on the blog post map – it works but there is one problem in that the small thumbnail photos don’t appear. Instead there’s a partly-bordered white space where the thumbnail should be. I’ve tried viewing the map in Chrome, Firefox and IE11.

    Reply
    1. Wendy

      Can anyone tell me if the pub Barley Mow on the corner of Rivington St and Shoreditch High St was there in the 1880s?
      Wendy

      Reply
      1. Pimlico Pete

        A partial answer for you Wendy,

        “Pubs History” has The Bell Inn on the corner of Rivington Street and Shoreditch High St.

        The Barley Mow is given as on the corner of Rivington Street and Curtain Road.

        Some dates and licensee changes to be unravelled in both cases. If our host will permit the links, data for both pubs can be found here:

        https://pubshistory.com/LondonPubs/Shoreditch/Bell.shtml
        https://pubshistory.com/LondonPubs/Shoreditch/CurtainRd127.shtml

        And apologies if you have already travelled this far down the path. It will at least be useful info for anyone who hasn’t yet.

        PP

        Reply
  2. Anne McPaul

    I love the pictures of London especially the old ones. Do you have any of Cornwall Road, SE1 which is just off of Stamford Street in Waterloo or the area around Belvedere Road before it was all demolished for the Festival of Britain?

    Thanks Anne

    Reply
    1. admin Post author

      Hi Anne – not sure regarding Cornwall Road, still checking a number of photos, but I do have a number of Belvedere Road before it was demolished for the Festival of Britain. The following post includes some: http://alondoninheritance.com/london-streets/the-brewery-at-the-end-of-sutton-walk/ and there are a couple of other posts that cover this area and Belvedere Road. I also have some of the area between Hungerford Bridge and County Hall which I have yet to publish (I need to update the map on the blog).

      Reply
      1. Eric Matthews

        I have a key for Fitzroy square, the owners name is on the key
        Thyssen apparently he lived in 1a between 1829-1840
        Have you any information regarding this please.

        Reply
  3. Mike Keyton

    I’ve just finished writing a book on Peter Cheyney, the 1940’s /50’s thriller writer. Both he and many of his fictional characters slouched around Shepherd Market and the Mayfair area. I would very much like to use two of your photos and that beautiful map of Shepherd Market. The bottom line is I can’t pay because Indy publishing incurs some expense. I would however gladly acknowledge and publicise your incredibly interesting site.

    Best wishes,
    Mike Keyton

    Reply
  4. Janet Kumar

    I found your blog while looking for information about the Horselydown Restaurant, one of the restaurants run by the London County Council after WW2. My book, The Youngest County, was published in 1951 and says that by 1950 over forty restaurants had been opened, dispensing 35,000 meals each day. The book tells of an enthusiasm for social welfare, and the ability to provide it, that is fascinating in a time of great austerity.

    I would love to receive your blog posts in future, thank you very much.

    Reply
  5. ron ferris

    Am over the moon with finding your site /blog? A lovely lady I met swimming gave me the address (3 times) I forgot it twice. Unfortunately, I have nothing to contribute. The reasons as follows. I was born at number 21 Belmont mansions, in (not on!) Goldsmith Row (some hipster as added an apostrophe s now) The block was built sometime in the 1800@s we had gas mantels on the landings. it comprised of two ‘wooden’ blocks as we called them, which faced out onto Goldsmith row over the shops. The ‘stone’ blocks further in where I was born and lived until grammar school, would have made a health and safety bod today have a fit. Unfortunately, no one in the blocks could afford, or own, a camera. The whole area, behind, toward Columbia rd the other side of hackney rd, and as far north as haggerston, was a ‘bombed ruin’ as we called our playground of the day. have found only one photo of the pub, star of india next door. I really hope you can turn something up

    Reply
      1. Michael Slee

        Hi Carol. just researching my Mothers history and and have also just found out that she lived at 29 Belmont Mansions Hackney E2. The marriage certificate states she was married on the 23rd June 1940, aged 17 (born 1922) and her maiden name was Elizabeth Clare Painter. Also, unfortunately, she died in 2012.

        Reply
    1. Michael Slee

      Hi Ron
      I have been researching my Mothers history, and her Wedding Certifacate states she lived at number 29 Belmont Mansions, Hackney E2.
      The date of Marriage was 23/06/1940 and marriage held at St Chads. Her maiden name was Elizabeth Clare Painter and born August 1922. Her married name became SLEE. I wonder if you had any recollections of either my mother or her family.
      Regards
      Michael Slee

      Reply
    2. Pimlico Pete

      Agreed Ron and other commenters, there aren’t many old photos of Haggerston and Goldsmith / Goldsmith’s Row to be found. Good news though: the Whiston Road area was used for location shots in the 1947 film “Odd Man Out” starring James Mason.

      The story was set in Belfast but some of the external shots were made in this part of London, including a football game on a cleared bombsite in Whiston Road. The boys in this scene were apparently shipped in from Belfast, and their accents seem to confirm this. Likewise the girl with one roller skate though she doesn’t say anything.

      Moye Street was used for Mason’s hiding place in a WWII street-level shelter. It’s clearly seen in a few of the shots. The backyard wall of the Goldsmith Arms gets a glimpse too.

      It’s thought that the shot where a hatted man high kicks the football back to the game was taken outside Dove Row Mission & Ragged School. Maybe someone can remember if that’s what it looked like.

      ReelStreets has a collection of stills from the film:

      https://www.reelstreets.com/films/odd-man-out/

      Happy recollecting!

      Pete

      Reply
    3. linda wixey

      hi i have recently discoverd i had great grand parents by the name of petty who lived at number 22 belmont mansions shoreditch in 1911
      regards
      linda

      Reply
  6. Mark

    Superb blog on St Pancras church. I had woodwork shops in the disused railway arches on the opposite side of the road, nearer the British Museum.

    Reply
    1. admin Post author

      Thanks for the comment Mark. I assume that those are the railway arches that are still there along the right of the road as you head back towards St. Pancras. About the only remaining railway features on that side of the road.

      Reply
  7. tessa moore

    I wonder if, in your so interesting travels, you have written about Cumberland Market which was near Regents Park. My father was born in The Jolly Farmers Pub in 1903 and I would love to see a photo of the actual building, or if not,the market and anything about it. Came upon your website by accident and it is great.

    Many thanks Tessa Moore

    Reply
    1. admin Post author

      Hi Tessa, Cumberland Market is on my list. My father was born near there and as a child lived in the Cumberland Market estate from 1939 until the early 1950s. This was built around the old Regent’s Canal basin that led into the market. I plan to have some posts on this in the future. Thanks, David

      Reply
  8. Candy

    Interesting, thank you. I walked London with Bradshaw’s Guide Book a few years ago and am considering repeating the trip because it was so interesting!

    Reply
    1. Sheila A Parissien

      I was born in Fulham. Lived in pearscroft Rd. Would like to find out more about this area and its history. Any help appreciated.

      Reply
  9. Alison

    I’ve subscribed to your blog for several years, but for some reason hadn’t found your wonderful map of posts until this morning. What a terrific addition to your fantastic posts! I so appreciate your work on your blog. It’s by far my favorite London blog. Thank you.

    Reply
    1. admin Post author

      Alison, thanks very much for your feedback, really appreciated. I need to update the map, not all the posts are on the map, just wish I had more time !

      Reply
  10. sheryl goble

    I just wanted to say thank you so much for your blog. I subscribed some time ago and enjoy reading each new one that you post. I was specifically looking for information about the Bunhill Fields and Burial grounds and after spending a fruitless few hours looking via Google, I wondered if you had any blogs on this area. I have looked at your interactive maps and through your posts and can’t see any, though this hasn’t taken away my enjoyment of the work that you have done. Thank you again.

    Reply
  11. Jamilsherif@gmail.com

    I wonder if you have come across pictures or maps of Russell Square and Bryanston Square in the 188Os or 1890s?

    Reply
  12. MrsPeel

    The map is such an amazing idea! , not sure if it is my browser, or maybe needs updating? I have seen posts about Hampstead places but don’t see them marked in the map, and the markers I clicked, they show me the thumbnail with the name of the place, then underneath a long number, but nothing is clickable (I don’t see the “more details”? ) the only thing I could click on was the x to close the little thumb window…. Only mentioning this because you said to mention if any problems 🙂 Awesome blog !

    Reply
    1. admin Post author

      Thanks for your comments about the blog – really appreciated. You are right that there are posts missing in the map – I have not yet had a chance to update the map entries with recent posts so will have to set aside some time for this. I will also check if there is anything wrong with the way the links are presented. Have not looked at the map for a while so there may be a problem – thanks for letting me know.

      Reply
  13. Minna Andersen

    I love your blog and thoroughly enjoy reading it. I would like to be added to your mailing list
    Kind regards
    Minna

    Reply
  14. Michael Slee

    Hi Ron
    I have been researching my Mothers history, and her Wedding Certifacate states she lived at number 29 Belmont Mansions, Hackney E2.
    The date of Marriage was 23/06/1940 and marriage held at St Chads. Her maiden name was Elizabeth Clare Painter and born August 1922. Her married name became SLEE. I wonder if you had any recollections of either my mother or her family.
    Regards
    Michael Slee

    Reply
  15. Julia Sheppard

    Please let me know of your posts. Read blogs about Rugby estate and area. I lived in Kirk Street as a child. It was very close to Lambs Conduit Street and only the top bit remains. The street was demolished for the building of the school.
    Julia

    Reply
  16. Sue Reeves

    Came across this site by accident, so glad l did as really interesting. Please can l go on email list. I do hope you might be able to help in that l am trying to find out what happened to a statue which was placed in the foyer of The Fountain at 130 Fountain House Fenchurch Street London. This was made in bronze with a youth in aluminium. It had four seahorses, two eagles and two dolphins and was made by Miss Margaret J Wrightson, sculptor in 1957. I have a picture of it. Behind the whole fountain was a sheet of glass over which water continually flowed. I have tried so hard to find out what happened to it, quite a size, 14 ft high. Any suggestions please as to where it went when it was removed? My husband was used as the model for the youth when he was a child. Thank you

    Reply
  17. patsie bletzer

    Wonderful articles. I was born 1942 and grew up in Chelsea. Now living in Australia so these posts are wonderfully nostalgic. Thankyou

    Reply
    1. Anna Beaumont

      Hello Patsie,

      Have just seen your comment. I hope that life is going well for you in Australia. Have you located any other LMX girls? Happy memories !

      Love,
      Pat

      Reply
  18. John Wicks

    My Dad spent his early years living in the Angel Pub, which was on the corner of Upper Ground and Boddy’s Bridge, just south of the Thames and to the West of Blackfriars Bridge. Whole area now redeveloped. I have been searching for old photos of the pub, which I would really like to see, but with no luck. Reaching out in case anyone has one.

    Reply
  19. Mr Andrew Swann

    Blackfriars bridge.
    I took some photographs of the removal of the bridge one night in 1985, it was very cold very, i was dressed in my winter alpine climbing kit. It would be great to discuss this work and the exact date when the operation took place, along with information regarding the Dutch company who undertook the work.
    Many thanks

    Reply
  20. Sharyn Arthur

    A relative of mine worked at the Nine Elms station as a clerk in the Charges Department between 1867 and 1880 at which point, aged 28, he emigrated to East London in South Africa where he had accepted an appointment under the Colonial Government. Fascinating to read about the railway history of the area through the time he lived and worked there, and as well see the redevelopment occurring. Will be very interesting to see the final result.

    Reply
  21. Ivan

    Would love to know how long Bow Wine Vaults in Bow Lane has been there. I have been frequenting it for 50 years but would like to know what was there before.

    Reply
  22. Sandra

    Hi,

    I am from Adelaide now. My Dad was born in Limehouse. I am trying to find a photo of the Red, White and Blue Pub, 75 Northey Street, Limehouse, where they used to live in the 20’s. It was not operational at that time. Any help would be appreciated.

    Kind regards Sandra

    Reply
  23. Helen

    I’ve recently found your blog, while I was looking up the history of 49 Bankside – what an interesting article you wrote about it. I love how you have used your father’s photographs to share your knowledge on how the city of London is evolving – I love this sort of personable but so informative history! I’ve since found the above maps which I would like to look more into but am having trouble accessing the links… If I hover over any of the red location markers, the name of the theatre/pub comes up but then a load of numbers which I can’t click onto anything. I’d love to see the photographs so any advice on how to access would be greatly received.

    Reply
    1. admin Post author

      Hi Helen, there is a problem with the maps where they are not showing links to the pages with photos about the site. Have not been able to fix this yet, sorry.

      Reply
  24. Annette

    Just discovered your blog – love it! My fathers family had a barge building business at Blackfriars Bridge at least from the mid eighteenth century to the mid nineteenth century

    Reply
  25. David Harwood

    Hi, love what you do!
    I am an 86 year old Londoner from Rotherhithe. There I attended Peter Hills School from 1946 to 1950. Whilst there I sat the 11 plus exam {as it was then!] trhe school was located in Ainsly St, a culdesac off Brunel Road. However despite long hours searching I could not find any material on the web relating to that address, until NOW!
    The pictures and maps that you show brought a flud of memories of days gone by. There was the Gas works where I collected bags of coke to supplement my pocet money and more important Peter Hills school in Ainsley St.
    .
    Your blog has opened an avenue for me to search. But It cannot be done by walking. Only by written word will I discover the history of those last few years of school days. This will need research skills greater than mine. Therefore is there any way I can contact you to, beg, borrow, steal or buy some of your!!! I would much appreciate your repl David Harwood

    Reply
    1. Sarah Louise Miller

      Hi David,

      This is not my website but I think it is great as well even though I haven spent most of my life living in Bournemouth.

      I would love to try and help you if I can.

      What is it that you are trying to research exactly?

      Sarah

      Reply
  26. John Hewett

    My family history leads back to various places in London. There were births, marriages and deaths registered at St Stephen’s Church in Coleman Street. An ancestor ran a pub called the Castle in Moorgate. Where can I find historical records of Coleman Street and the Castle?

    Reply
  27. John Hewett

    Have you ever researched Coleman Street including the church of St Stephen.
    My ancestors lived in this area and there are frequent mentions of this church.

    Reply
  28. R LEVER

    Did you or your father take any photos of Lambert Street Whitechapel where the Commercial Road Railway Goods Depot once stood until 1975?

    Reply

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.