Comments on: The Lost World Of The Alleys https://spitalfieldslife.com/2024/05/02/the-lost-world-of-the-alleys-i/ In the midst of life I woke to find myself living in an old house beside Brick Lane in the East End of London Sun, 05 May 2024 12:25:54 +0000 hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.4 By: Christine Swan https://spitalfieldslife.com/2024/05/02/the-lost-world-of-the-alleys-i/#comment-1570689 Sun, 05 May 2024 12:25:54 +0000 https://spitalfieldslife.com/?p=199568#comment-1570689 I am naturally a bit wary of alleyways but I am a fairly bold explorer so put my fears to one side in pursuit of a glimpse of old London. Yesterday my map app suggested I follow a path to reach my destination. I approached a half closed gate to an industrial estate with caution – this really did not look like a designated pathway. In fact, I had arrived at a very lively Walthamstow market, including two craft breweries, various eateries and an eclectic purveyor of vintage and bespoke home decorations. Sometimes it pays to peep round corners and follow unlikely paths. P.s. I love the last photo: “‘ello ‘ello, what do we ‘ave ‘ere then?!”

]]> By: Lynne Perrella https://spitalfieldslife.com/2024/05/02/the-lost-world-of-the-alleys-i/#comment-1570111 Thu, 02 May 2024 13:19:32 +0000 https://spitalfieldslife.com/?p=199568#comment-1570111 These photos totally capture what is captivating and intriguing about alleys. The tightness of the enclosures……….the secret aspect of the locations………The feeling of having the short cut all to yourself……..the surprisingly random slices of human activity if one looks UP or looks DOWN, etc.
I grew up in a small town just outside of Pittsburgh, and it was REPLETE with alleys. During childhood, the alleys were our favorite place to stroll, carouse, view interesting bits of junk and cast-asides, or cut through to other locations without seeing seen. One could literally “kick the can”, or turn cartwheels, or walk hand-in-hand with a new boyfriend — in the alleys. Noted regional artist Ron Donoughe has published his new series of paintings, “The Ways of Pittsburgh” which perfectly captures the homey well-loved alleys of this magnificent American city, and the memories flooded back.

]]> By: Jennifer Newbold https://spitalfieldslife.com/2024/05/02/the-lost-world-of-the-alleys-i/#comment-1570109 Thu, 02 May 2024 13:10:34 +0000 https://spitalfieldslife.com/?p=199568#comment-1570109 I’m grateful that you’ll do this kind of exploring for me, G.A.! I suppose if the City puts a sign on it, it must be a right-of-way (although the bobby seems to think something illicit might be occurring there)!

I love that the old lanterns are still there, and haven’t been replaced by modern high-efficiency long-life security lighting. You could almost believe for a moment that you have stepped into a previous century.

]]> By: Bailey Jones https://spitalfieldslife.com/2024/05/02/the-lost-world-of-the-alleys-i/#comment-1570081 Thu, 02 May 2024 10:08:58 +0000 https://spitalfieldslife.com/?p=199568#comment-1570081 I love the photograph of Catherine Wheel Alley. It could definitely be, as you suggest, a portal to another place.
Where I live, there is a small, unnamed, alley known locally as Coffin Alley because of its shape. The walls bulge towards the middle and taper towards the end. Walking through it one is very much enclosed.

]]> By: arabella https://spitalfieldslife.com/2024/05/02/the-lost-world-of-the-alleys-i/#comment-1570051 Thu, 02 May 2024 06:24:27 +0000 https://spitalfieldslife.com/?p=199568#comment-1570051 Brilliant – love this piece of writing.

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