Comments on: Fogs & Smogs Of Old London

By: Douglas

Douglas — Sun, 26 Nov 2023 14:42:33 +0000

I am surprised know one mentioned the Lord Mayors Show in 1922 where it was cancelled after 3 minutes due to thick fog. Even though a man in front was holding a lantern.

By: achim

achim — Fri, 27 Oct 2023 10:07:54 +0000

Among my people, who have never been to England, there is still an unshakeable rumour that it rains incessantly on the island and that there is nothing decent to eat. *lol*

When I asked an Englishman what I could do about it, he just said: “Nothing. Let them stick to their beliefs. We don’t need people like that here!” — He is right. And let my acquaintances die stupidly!

Love & Peace
ACHIM

By: John French

John French — Fri, 27 Oct 2023 07:49:28 +0000

Whether there was a fog or not, all major buildings in London until the late 60s were a shade of black. I suppose that until the Clean Air Act (1956) it just wasn’t worth cleaning stonework (because the smog would soon blacken it again).
My grandparents often told me that they had to walk home to Thornton Heath from The City during the Great Smog. All public transport had stopped. It was only 10 miles, but took them all evening because they had difficulty seeing where they were going. At times they could not even see their own feet.

By: Mark Smith

Mark Smith — Thu, 26 Oct 2023 18:18:44 +0000

The mutableness of heavy fog is beautifully palpable. Would’ve loved to experience a London pea souper but perhaps not the 1952 variety. Great pics, thanks.

By: Avril Towell (was Jenner)

Avril Towell (was Jenner) — Thu, 26 Oct 2023 13:23:57 +0000

I lived in Shoreditch during the 1940s & 50s and well remember the awful fog or smog. We had to cover our mouths if we went outside and even inside the fog was like a dull light as if the electric lights were turned low. It killed many people and nearly killed my grandad, which is why we left London for the countryside. It was at a time when the old houses were being demolished to be replaced with flats which we didn’t want to live in. We all missed London where my family had lived for generations, but it also meant my grandad had a few more years of life in clean air.

By: Annemarie Fearnley

Annemarie Fearnley — Thu, 26 Oct 2023 09:48:09 +0000

Another wonderful post – and so evocative of dark and rainy London! I believe the “unidentified” photo is of Prior Bolton’s symbol, which can still be seen on a house in Alwyne Villas in Canonbury. It’s mentioned and shown in this blog by “London on the Ground”.

https://www.londonontheground.com/post/would-elizabeth-i-recognise-islington-today

It’s a lovely post. Enjoy!

By: Julia MacKenzie

Julia MacKenzie — Thu, 26 Oct 2023 08:31:06 +0000

Very atmospheric! Given that these are glass plates, some of the images are flipped. The view of Fishmongers Hall next to London Bridge and Church Row, Hampstead are the wrong way round. Just a private comment – no need to publish.