The Shoreditch Pump
It would be easy not to notice this 1832 water pump in the grounds of St Leonard’s church, but it sits on the spring that may have given Shoreditch it’s name, “suer“ being the Anglo-Saxon word for stream.
This fresh water supply led to the Roman’s settling in this area; Spitalfields was a vast Roman cemetery and it was from Shoreditch that many Roman roads left London to other settlements like their capital Colchester.
Before everyone had running water in their homes, 19th century pumps like these were a focal points for the parish community. Today however, the basin is full of flowers rather than water, a redundant relic to remind us of the past.
More London Inspiration
If you're on the hunt for things to literally look up to, you can do no wrong with these beautiful sights. How many have you visited?...
Fleet Street is one of London’s most historic thoroughfares and in partnership with Fleet Street Quarter I'm sharing my 10 favourite historic gems...
The oldest democracy in the world, based in a building with parts from the 11th century. If only those walls could talk. Thankfully, with the help of a Parliament guide they sort of do. Here's 10 things I learned from a guided tour of Parliament....
London has plenty of tiny passageways and more often than not they have a fascinating bit of history to tell!...
Often listed as one of the greenest cities in the world, London is blessed with 8 Royal Parks and surrounded by woodland. However, I've made a list of the more esoteric green places to visit in central London, spots with an interesting tale or simply in an unexpected place....
What's behind these historic London doors? From world-famous ones, to the pair that aren't really there......
No Comments