Start to walk up Philpot Lane from Eastcheap, stopping at Blacklock, second premises on the right.
Look at the Blackrock and let your eye rove upwards and to the right.
There are your mice!
To find out more about the Mice please join my Fake Facts and Fiction walk.
You may know Anthony Trollope for his books but we was also responsible for a familiar sight on our streets.
Trollope worked for the Civil Service and on his recommendation a French designed pillar box was trialled in the Channel Islands.
Next year the first ones appeared in London. These were not the familiar round red ones of today but rectangular. They were painted green so they would not be considered an eyesore. This, however, proved impractical as postmen had trouble finding them in the dark. They were painted red from 1874. There is a green survivor in the City in St Martin Le Grande.
Although pillar boxes are basically the same, each postal area had its own designs so watch out for the variations.
Look for the symbol on the side denoting the monarch of the time. If it’s a V for Victoria then you are looking at the oldest. Most common are those from the reign of Elizabeth II – around 70,000 out of a total of 115,000. The rarest example is Edward VIII of which there are between 134 and 171 – and none in the City Of London.
Upcoming events involving or sometimes merely tangential to the City and Docklands. Dates a little sparse at the moment as many places have not yet released their 2024 schedule.
April 7th. London Landmarks Half Marathon. Alongside the Marathon, free walking tours in several parts of the City. [Details to follow]
June 2024. Knolly’s Rose Procession. Delivery of a single rose to the Lord Mayor to settle a 600 year old planning permission problem (don’t you just love the City?!) . [Details to follow, date unconfirmed].
Sunday September 21st. Sheep Drive. Freemen exercise their right to drive animals across a City bridge. Details to follow, [date unconfirmed].
Tuesday September 24th. City Giving Day.
Saturday November 10th. Lord Mayor’s Show. Welcoming in the new Lord Mayor. Details to follow.
Saturday December 14th. North Wood Morris Xmas Day of Dance. All day traditional entertainment opposite the City on the South Bank. [Recheck date nearer the time].
Saturday December 22rd, 10:00am to 11:30am. Head for Smithfield Market and grab a meaty bargain at the Annual “Xmas Eve” meat and turkey auction [not confirmed]
Dates provisional
Sunday January 5th, 12:30. Blessing Of The River. Takes place on London Bridge. Details will be at calendarcustoms.com/articles/blessing-the-river-thames . [Date not confirmed].
This takes place annually and is an opportunity for City businesses and workers to demonstrate their charitable endeavours and achievements.
The next City Giving Day is on 24th September,