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1802, a stone urn atop #StMaryLeStrand fell, killing 3 men & injuring others. To watch the Heralds March & announce the #TreatyOfAmiens a man leant on the urn & caused it to accidentally fall. In fact, the fault was put in motion 100 yrs before when #JamesGibbs workmen mounted the urn on a wooden spike that rotted over time, instead of iron. #HiddenHistory #PeopleOfTheStrand
In Source: Inside #StMaryLeStrand
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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 Source: Glorious Maypole
#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 Source: Glorious Maypole
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 Source: Glorious Maypole
Newcastle Street, to the North-East of #StMaryLeStrand was formerly known as Maypole Alley, a name transferred to a narrow court on the junction of Drury Lane & Wych Street, by the #OlympicTheatre. In a twist of fate, #MaypoleAlley was moved to a location where the blacksmith #JohnClarges, who set up the 2nd #Maypole during the #Restoration, had his forge. #PeopleOfTheStrand
In Source: Maypole Alley
From meet-cute to marriage? #CharlesDickens parents, John & Elizabeth, were married at #StMaryLeStrand Church on June 13th 1809. #JohnDickens worked as a clerk in the #RoyalNavy Pay Office at #SomersetHouse & formed a friendship with one of his colleagues #ThomasBarrow. John’s life changed forever when Thomas introduced his lovely sister Elizabeth. #PeopleoftheStrand
In Source: St Mary Le Strand
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