Comments on: Vivian Betts of Bishopsgate

By: Dr Michael Charles Pope

Dr Michael Charles Pope — Thu, 31 Oct 2019 08:20:10 +0000

Dear Gentle Author,

I am Dr Mike Pope Editor of the “Mecca News” which is the journal of the Metcalfe Society, a one- named family history organisation and registered charity concerned with research into the Metcalfe name.

I am currently engaged in research on a book for the membership of the society and have been gathering information on William and Alfred Medcalf who held the licence of the Primrose from 1839 to 1895.

I came across your excellent article on Vivian Betts and wonder if I might have permission to use some of the photographs and textual information in the piece.

I must also commend you for your admirable contibution to the history of London which is highly interesting to me, as although born and brought up a North Yorkshireman, my family name goes back to Bethnal Green, City Road, Walworth, Newington, and eventually Hanwell and Ickenham.

Regards

Dr Mike Pope Editor The Metcalfe Society

By: Rupert Bumfrey

Rupert Bumfrey — Sat, 05 Jan 2019 12:08:03 +0000

Always good to follow links, reminding me of how much history is encapsulated within this blog. Today Charlie Chaplin stretches across the centuries to Vivian!

By: Ken Rickard

Ken Rickard — Tue, 24 May 2016 11:24:49 +0000

Hi Vivian,
I just found your articles on the Primrose , Bishopsgate which brings back great memories for me. You may not remember but I played drums in a Group called The Kinsmen and we had, thanks to your Mum and Dad and probably with your encouragement, a regular gig in the Corner of the Saloon Bar at the Primrose on Weekends in the 1960’s and it was always one of our favourite gigs. We mostly came from Romford and used to come to and from there in a beaten up old Commer Van . I always remember how great your family and the locals were to us and even though we would have been just a bit under age, they would sneak us a few drinks to encourage us. I now live in the Gold Coast, near Brisbane in Australia and just happened to see your great stories about Spitalfields when I was looking up the old Primrose which Never should have been domolished.
Thanks for the memories !
Ken Rickard

By: Vivian Campbell

Vivian Campbell — Wed, 02 Dec 2015 17:19:34 +0000

Hi Penny Just got some information about The Alfred Head Gold St. My brother is 12 years older then me and he said that he was about 8/9 when he went to the pub. He thinks the year was 49/50 and I was born in 1954 and we left the Alfred’s in 1957. I would love any more details you may have about the pub and I would love a photo but sadly have never been able to find one. I have one picture of me as a little girl in the back yard with my mum. When my dad moved out of the pub they pulled it down.

By: John MacMillan

John MacMillan — Fri, 06 Nov 2015 12:43:46 +0000

Wonderful to read the history – you, your family and Broadgate. I think I had a drink in the Primrose pub in the eighties just before it was demolished? My father was working with the construction company leading the Broadgate development at the time and I remember waiting to meet him in a pub on Bishopsgate Road (on the way to Shoreditch) with my sister. I was about 15/16 at the time. I remember the landlord saying that this will be the last time people will be able to drink there as it was getting demolished. funny what you remember….

By: Penny Gibson

Penny Gibson — Sat, 17 Oct 2015 13:36:13 +0000

Hi
my Dad’s cousin ran the Alfred’s Head pub on Gold Street, Stepney during the war and through to the 50’s – it contradicts your story a little. I have the rent book for the pub held in the name of my cousin from 1943 through to the 1950’s listing every rental payment through all those years. Could you have meant a different pub or are we linked somehow? the proprietor was Caroline Amelia Jordan.
be interested to hear from you
Penny

By: Julia Wright

Julia Wright — Sun, 26 Jan 2014 08:58:11 +0000

Great article …………..

I knowViv and have done so since she was about 15 (I am 2 years older) I know the family , I am Godmother to her nephew Tim , had some good Holidays with the family and through the friendship workied in the Primrose a couple of times a week in the evenings for extra money ………….. Great social times in the Primrose , some great characters Another world Great experience Very Happy memories .
Viv and Istill keep in touch and have met for Lunch just recently we always talk of the happy times at the Primrose and the fun we had.

By: Jerry Panter

Jerry Panter — Fri, 24 May 2013 17:08:54 +0000

Hi Vivian
I found your website whilst browsing and it’s so interesting because I used The Primrose as my local from 1969 until it closed and remember your mum and dad so well. I remember Bill was a keen Leyton Orient supporter and Vi used to enjoy a glass of gin sitting on her regular stool. What good days they were with the market lads popping in at lunchtime and the bookie’s runner. I remember the live bands at week-ends and the great atmosphere. When Warren and Sharron took it over it was never the same again. It’s all a bit different around there now but I know which I prefer, but maybe i’m just a silly old sod !
With best wishes
Jerry Panter

By: Sandra and Ralph

Sandra and Ralph — Sun, 21 Oct 2012 14:57:34 +0000

Enjoyed looking at this site with Ralph and two sons. Brought back memories of watching the children playing on the roof while I was having my lunch. Look forward to reading more. Thank you. Hope to see you soon. Sandra

By: Jill and John

Jill and John — Mon, 15 Oct 2012 13:47:01 +0000

Really interesting to see the old pictures of how it used to be it loooks better in the old days
We liked the pictures of Viv, we know her from the Windmill Pub which is very nice, where there is always a welcome good food and good beer