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Symbolic Landmark for the #PeopleoftheStrand
Imagine a colourful #Maypole 30m tall in front of #StMaryLeStrand. Dressed in flowers it was erected for the #PeopleOfTheStrand to celebrate Spring on #MayDay. But angered Puritans called it a Pagan ritual that threatened the morality of common people. They pulled the Maypole down in 1644, after which, all Maypoles were banned until the #EnglishCivilWar ended #HiddenHistory
In Collection: Architectural Gem
A #Maypole once stood at the corner of #FleetStreet & the #Strand. Banned by Puritans a “glorious, bigger & higher” replacement 40m high was built in 1661 by the Blacksmith #JohnClarges after the #EnglishCivilWar. The new maypole was an important landmark & meeting place to socialise & trade goods. Night watchmen from #ScotlandYard met at the maypole for their daily patrol.
In Collection: Architectural Gem
#PeopleOfTheStrand After the #Maypole by #JohnClarges was removed in 1713 another maypole emerged opposite #SomersetHouse where the drinking fountain is now located. In 1717, Sir #IsaacNewton bought the maypole from parishioners to erect it in #WansteadPark as part of the structure that supported a telescope, which was at the time the largest in Europe.
In Collection: Architectural Gem
The #Maypole by #JohnClarges was of extraordinary length & was raised by 12 sailors commanded by #TheOldPretender as it was thought to be too big for landsmen. Reinforced with iron bands, featuring a large hoop around its middle, the Maypole was adorned with a gilded crown & the king’s arms. A ceremony led by 3 men carrying crowns started a musical procession #PeopleOfTheStrand
In Collection: Architectural Gem
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