Bradshaw’s Hand Book to London 1862 says of Seven Dials on p.120: ‘..The angular direction of each street renders the spot rather embarrassing to a pedestrian who crosses this maze of buildings unexpectedly, and frequently causes him to diverge from the road that would lead him to his destination..’.
Walter Thornbury, Old and New London, 1878, Vol .3, Chap.XXVI, on this site says of Seven Dials: ‘..The angular direction of each street renders the spot rather embarrassing to a pedestrian who crosses this maze of buildings unexpectedly, and frequently causes him to diverge from the road that would lead him to his destination..’.
Mr Bradshaw’s work was clearly respected and well-used.
Where and how, I have often wondered, did Mr Bradshaw source his information without access to the internet?
London Details
Noorthouck’s New History of London seems a likely candidate. I haven’t checked whether N says anything about Seven Dials, but he certainly has a lot to say about London’s history in general.
Candy Blackham
Thanks – I will look this up; another book for the groaning bookshelves!
London Details
If your library has access to ECCO you can read it online there
Candy Blackham
Brilliant, thank you, I will investigate this too
London Details
I suggest he used a library 😉
Candy Blackham
Hmm, I rather opened myself to that! Moving on, do you know which were the most likely books he might have used?