Comments on: In Old Holborn

By: Janette

Janette — Sat, 29 Aug 2015 15:14:46 +0000

Fascinating to see the amazing photos. Were you aware a John and Sarah Hodgkinson lived in Shoe Lane? He worked in a brass foundry there. Sarah was born in 1782. They were married at St. Brides.

By: Victoria

Victoria — Sun, 21 Sep 2014 08:11:04 +0000

A favourite part of London for me but hadn’t made the connection with the tobacco tins! I have vivid memories of my grandfather filling his pipe from Old Holborn boxes and then them being recycled – also for screw containers by my father. Such vivid memories, I loved my grandfather who died when I was twelve. Your photos and text will form the basis of another Sunday walk for us here; thanks for sharing.

By: Ian

Ian — Sat, 20 Sep 2014 20:39:54 +0000

I have spent a happy hour so reading this entry slowly and googling various street names, looking at maps for the road/Fleet layout and so on. Bliss.

By: Jennifer Jeynes

Jennifer Jeynes — Fri, 19 Sep 2014 17:53:45 +0000

At the corner of Red Lion Square, (25), is the home of free speech, Conway Hall
Ethical Society. There are regular lectures, free, open to anyone who likes to think

By: Maureen Musson

Maureen Musson — Fri, 19 Sep 2014 14:16:13 +0000

Bleeding Hear Yard *is* mentioned…….

I visited the area recently, as I discovered my ancestors ran a pewter business in Shoe Lane – until the City of London compulsorily purchased it in 1825 to build Farringdon market. My great-great-great grandfather had been a wealthy man, but due to this, his son died in the workhouse. The market was not a success and was soon pulled down.

By: Viv Wilson

Viv Wilson — Fri, 19 Sep 2014 13:56:33 +0000

I used to visit this fascinating area occasionally and after reading your post, now wish I had explored it more thoroughly when I had the chance.

My father, Mr Henderson, was the manager at Leonard Lyle’s ‘Gentlemen’s Outfitters’ for many years. I wonder if anyone remembers him? Leonard Lyle’s was situated in one of the half timbered buildings, Staple Inn. I think it may have become Moss Bros. at some point. I don’t know which company has it now.

I used to visit him at the shop during the late 60’s – mid 70’s arriving on my Honda 50 which in those days I could park outside the shop!

Although I never really explored the area outside, I remember very well the varnished wooden shelves, cabinets and ‘fixtures & fittings’ inside the wonderful old shop. I’ve recently seen a so-called ‘vintage’ tie press for sale on eBay that came from Leonard Lyle’s, London. I remember also the awkward twisting stairs down to the basement floor where my dad and his staff and I ate lunchtime sandwiches in shifts, in a tiny kitchen area.

I was always a bit surprised by the ever respectful attitude he was shown by the two other staff members. He was ‘Mr. Henderson’ at all times, never Bill! It was all very “Are you being served?”. At the time, aged about 19, I was a student, and my own clothes shopping – cheesecloth skirts, loons and Biba tops took place at Kenny (Kensington) Market, with no help from anyone. By comparison, it seemed very strange to me that grown men, barristers and the like, should need such close attention from my father in matters of their dress!

By: Rupert Neil Bumfrey (@rupertbu)

Rupert Neil Bumfrey (@rupertbu) — Fri, 19 Sep 2014 13:18:38 +0000

Good to see the #Pru buildings, I recall they were printed on my Mother’s savings books for her four children, which resulted in a pay-out of £1,500 to each one of us back in late 1970’s!

By: Custard Apple

Custard Apple — Fri, 19 Sep 2014 10:12:58 +0000

I used to work opposite Snow Hill, sadly not mentioned. It was where the Mohocks used to grab passing gentry, squeeze them into a barrel and then shove it down the steep, curving hill. They had to make their own entertainment in those days!

By: Dave Hodgkinson

Dave Hodgkinson — Fri, 19 Sep 2014 10:11:37 +0000

Does Bleeding Heart Yard count? Or is that more Farringdon?

And bonus points for finding the plaque to Sun Yat Sen, the father of Taiwan!

By: Achim

Achim — Fri, 19 Sep 2014 08:52:30 +0000

*** SCOTLAND HAS DONE IT RIGHT! ***

… and I’m very glad I will be able to visit Old Holborn furthermore in GREAT-Britain!

Love & Peace
ACHIM

PS: And to alison: if you like timber-framed houses: do an excursion to Hann.Münden near Kassel: https://www.google.de/search?q=hann.m%C3%BCnden&num=50&newwindow=1&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ei=dewbVLjBLamaygPmvICYDQ&ved=0CAkQ_AUoAg