My journey around the board of the London version of Monopoly has reached Fenchurch Street Station.
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| Photo by 'Buildings Fan' on Flickr |
With only four platforms on two levels Fenchurch Street railway station is probably the smallest of London's many rail termini. The current building dates from 1854 and was constructed on the site of the original station, the first to be built in the City of London.
It is really only a commuter station serving the southern part of the county of Essex to the east of London and north of the Thames which divides London in half. The façade which is original is quite elegant and is 'listed'. Inside the station is quite modern and bears no resemblance to the original structure.
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| Fenchurch Street in 1905. Photo Copyright: The John Alsop Collection |
It is thought that there was originally a Roman fort on this site which was built to protect London following the revolt led by the female warrior Boudicca in AD 60. Many Roman artefacts have been found in the area including gold coins and mosaics. In 2008 a cellar was discovered dating from that time! Sometimes it seems to me that even the most unlikely places have an interesting history if ones digs down a bit, both literally and metaphorically.
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| Roman Mosaic found beneath Fenchurch Street while it was being built |
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| The first Railway Book Stall was opened in Fenchurch Street station |
Next in this series: Leicester Square
11 comments:
Hi Bazza,
The only thing I knew about Fenchurch Street Station before today was that it costs £200 on a Monopoly board! ;)
Another fascinating post, amazed to see that lovely Roman mosaic!
J
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Hello John. My guess is that it's worth a bit more these days but I doubt if it's for sale!
The most interesting piece of info, for me, was when you mentioned that part about the female warrior. You don't read or hear much about female warriors from those days.
I'm not having a sex fantasy or anything, heh heh, but I'm just thinking... you normally hear about only the most famous ones, like Joan of Arc. I can guess why that would be.
I'm sure you would find quite a few ancient artifacts embedded into the ground beneath that street.
Interesting post, all around. Take care, Bazza
Hey bazza,
A fascinating insight you share. And I always like the informative twist you write.
And you bring attention to stuff that may well of otherwise gone unnoticed. No, I wont mention anything about the exorbitant rail fares...
Have a good weekend.
Gary
Kezza: I imagine you think Boudica looked like this: http://www.flickr.com/photos/babsdraconia/6385660579/
You can read more here:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boudica
Thanks for visiting!
Gary, (perhaps it should be Gazza): Yes, British Rail would probably like to blame fare increases on the Romans!
Thanks, Bazza! I'll check out those links. I think a lot of those things that strong-willed women accomplished back in those days were diminished by those writing about them, for the most part. Of course, most women were considered 2nd class citizens, unfortunately, during a lot of different time periods, too.
Back in the 1800's, during the American Old West period, for example, men thought a horse was worth more than a woman. Pretty disturbing. It also brings to mind... What in the world were those guys doing with their horses? Lol. :)
Kezza: History usually wrote out the position of women until very recently. Crick and Watson are famous for describing the double-helix structure of DNA but the name of Rosemary Franklin who was equally involved is hardly known
Of course, Boudicca lived 2,000 years ago.
After seeing Brokeback Mountain I changed my view of Cowboys!
Everything about this photo is pleasing to my eye. All of those square and angular lines, invaded by an arch...aw... said arch reflected across the street in glass windows. The tiny street sign at left plays with the curves... buy it Bazza. Buy. It. Now.
Thanks for sharing the link on Boudica. An amazing history there; first time hearing of her existence. Wow!
Dixie: Wow, very observant! I'd like to buy it and put three hotels on it then when you land there you have to go to jail or something like that. Boudicca used to be known as Boadacia and has a very interesting history.
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