So, at last my journey around the London version of the Monopoly Board has come to an end at Mayfair - deemed the most expensive part of London. There is a pervading atmosphere of timeless quality, tradition and, mostly, wealth in Mayfair.
In 1686 a new location for a two-week long fair held in Haymarket was needed so the 'May fair' was moved to a nearby area of open fields. Development then began in a part known as Shepherd Market and the fair existed there until 1764 when it moved to Fair Field in Bow, East London after complaints from residents. And the name Mayfair stuck.
I am working on my next major London-based project to follow this. Coming to your computer soon!
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| Berkeley Square Gardens in the centre of Mayfair I believe that a Nightingale sang there once upon a time... |
Since that time until very recently Shepherd Market became synonymous with prostitution but it's image has changed to become a charming centre of pubs and restaurants.
It is thought that the Romans settled in the Mayfair area during the conquest of Britain in AD 43 but moved their camp a short distance to the east to be nearer the Thames. However they would not have had to pay the astronomical rents that they would today! Even in the game of Monopoly if you land on Mayfair with added hotels you are likely to get wiped out.
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| Shepherd Market, Mayfair (savills.com) |
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| Beautiful shop entrance in Mount Street in the heart of Mayfair |
18 comments:
Hi Bazza,
What a shame that it's all over, but looking forward to your next project!
The 'Nightingale' in the song probably refers to a Robin, but I am sure that you knew that!
J
Follow me at HEDGELAND TALES
Hello Bazza,
Ah, Mayfair, such a place that I recall during my days of roaming the streets of London as I avoided the cheering crowds and the rotting vegetables.
Thank you for this Monopoly and I hope I don't get wiped out.
Look forward to your next London-based project. Just how many massage parlours are there in London, Bazza, old chap?
Hi John. I didn't know about the Robin - thought it might have been a Blackbird but I don't think the songwriter was an ornithologist!
Hi Gary. I don't know the answer to that. Do you think I should ask Mrs Bazza if I can research it?
So, when you were in Mayfair were you wearing your top-hat and monocle or were you squatting?
Hi Bazza - good way to look round London .. and its development over the centuries always amazes me .. the British Museum area and your 'paint shop'! - Cornelissens - was in farmland til about 300 years ago .. pigs raced around and no doubt orchards grew etc ..
Rent in London - a train ticket is enough! - but at least I can get there occasionally ..
Cheers Hilary
Good fellow, Bazza,
Have your good lady research to her heart's content. I was squatting in Mayfair whilst wearing my top-hat and monocle. I was busking, much to the delight of the adoring Mayfair thong, um,throng!
Hi Hilary. I am about to develop a tour of the London Boroughs (all 32 plus the City of London) so there should be some more of the same.
Cornelissens is a unique shop!
I understand that one can earn a good (legal) living as a busker these days. Why not take it up again?
Looks like a lovely part of London. I'm looking forward to seeing your next London project.
Hi Sherry. It is rather lovely there. The new project is bubbling along nicely!
I always daydream seeing lovely places like these. Love the vibes in second photo. :)
Hi Rizalenio. It helps to be a millionaire if you want to go to Mayfair. Thanks for visiting!
And a fine journey it has been :D I look forward to your next project.
How was the "Tour?" Impressions of France? Would love to read a post from you about this. Natasha
Hi AC: It will probably launch in August I bet you can't wait!
Hi Natasha. I can be in France in a couple of hours so it's frequent trip for me. Take a look at this on my former Blog:
bazzablog-uk.blogspot.co.uk
So many lovely places in your country. Hate I've missed most of the game... will backtrack and have a gander!
Hi Dixie. I might make a post linking all of the series!
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