Detail of 153 Fenchurch Street | Samuel Tull, Ropemaker
Proving that it always pays to look out for silver linings, I spotted some lovely details on 153 Fenchurch Street recently and – as ever – looking up offered an insight into London’s history!
Last week I got caught in a particularly heavy downpour in the City of London and ended up sheltering under the huge glass porch of the Walkie Talkie.
Biding the time until the rain passed I was looking at the cluster of buildings opposite and recalled a little detail that had been mentioned in a recent City of London course lecture.
153 Fenchurch Street
Pevsner records no.153 as a Dutch red brick building dating from 1888 and designed by Osborn & Russell.
But he also mentions the “diminutive relief” that alludes to its history; two men in a boat beneath an announcement of; TULL Established 1740, 153 Fenchurch St.
Tull refers to a family business of twine and ropemakers based here. Close to the Pool of London it was a good location for all things boat-related.
Examining the sign a little closer you can make out that one of the figures holds a net and they are sitting in a Peterboat. The Peterboat was a traditional Thames fishing boat used since Medieval times (thank you to the brilliant Caroline’s Miscellany blog for the info).
Above the boat is a doublet, a kind of long men’s coat, which was perhaps part of the logo of the company.
The last will and testament of Samuel Tull, Rope Maker of Fenchurch Street in the City of London is held at the National Archives and dates from 7 August 1851. A witness for the will is listed as James Evans, 153 Fenchurch Street so maybe the business passed into his hands after Samuel’s death? Samuel left all his personal property to his wife Elizabeth.
So even if this find prompts more questions than answers, it does show it’s always worth looking up in the City of London!
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Stewart Francis
I posted a comment earlier, but it has not appeared, so I’m trying again! It was to congratulate Katie on her trained or natural eye for such details/delights and her excellent camerawork, together with a point about the benefits of the British weather!
Katie Wignall
Thank you Stewart! 🙂 It’s amazing what we miss if we don’t glance upwards!
Wendy Johnson
So interesting. If I ever get back to London, I’ll be looking for this!
Katie Wignall
There’s so much to see above your eyeline in London! I find every bit of decoration is an historic clue!
Iain Inkster
Absolutely fascinating! No idea how many times I walked past this building without a second glance. Thank you.
Katie Wignall
You’re welcome Iain, it’s amazing what we miss when we forget to look up!