Social housing has a long and rich history in the UK. Take almshouses, for instance. First established in the 12th century, these places often provided residence for hard-up and disadvantaged people. Recently I cycled to Leyton, in the borough of Waltham Forest, east London to visit one.
It was a beautiful autumn day. It felt as if a bonfire of colour had taken over our roads and parks. Even the wet paths I crossed on my way there had a certain magical glow from the fallen foliage.
I was there to see The London Master Bakers Almshouses (or just Bakers Almshouses) on Lea Bridge Road. They had been designed by Thomas Edward Knightly for the London Master Bakers Benevolent Institution between 1857 and 1866. Knightly had also been in charge of designing Queen’s Hall, in Langham Place, destroyed during the Second World War.
(Click here to continue reading)
Sadly I have trouble with Medium and cannot continue reading.
ReplyDeleteHow I wish that our history with social housing was as rich as yours. And that much more attention was paid to it by current Governments (whatever their flavour).
Stay safe, stay well.
Interesting story. These look a lot nicer than "American project housing." In a trip to Scotland, I once spent several days in Robert Owens housing for his millworkers in New Lanark. That was an interesting place, too, that has been nicely refurbished.
ReplyDeletehttps://fromarockyhillside.com
The click to continue doesn't click for me. But I am sure that it was an interesting visit. England is such an interesting place.
ReplyDeleteA dear friend lived in one of the orphanages as a child. His experiences are hard to hear. I hope this one was better.
ReplyDeleteHad I been with you, CiL, I would have tried to talk you into going over the wall with me and roamed for an hour or so. Just teasing .... sort of ....
ReplyDeleteIt would seem to be an interesting place .... history is fun .... I enjoyed your post ....
Hi ACIL - stunning gate ... and what a pity you weren't able to get closer and see more of the buildings and grounds. Interesting history of previous bakers ... fascinating snippets. Your cycle out must have been glorious ... take care and here's to reading more in 2021 - Hilary
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ReplyDeleteI can't read the rest of your wonderful story even though I press the click. I love how you write, did you know?
hugs from Miami
Mucha
It's a nice little read whether you got in or not.
ReplyDeleteVery nice picture!Like the story as well:))
ReplyDeleteBakery hmm..back in time it must had been a lovely smell there:))
I love history and hope you do more
Greetings Anita
What an interesting little piece of history. Sounds like it was a nice journey there, as well.
ReplyDeleteSorry you could not get inside.
ReplyDeleteBoa tarde meu amigo George. Parabéns pela foto e matéria.
ReplyDeleteI very much enjoyed that. J Arthur rank and the gong what a wonderful image you evoked in my mind. It's wonderful that you link to your published piece, though I too would like to read the whole thing without clicking elsewhere if that's suitable. Thank you for sharing. And for your kind visit/comment.
ReplyDeleteFascinating. You have a lovely writing style.
ReplyDeleteFabulous blog
ReplyDeleteAh yes, the "Rank Organisation." London has some beautiful almshouses. It seems the builders often put quite a bit of effort into making them architecturally interesting. I've actually been to that Bakers Arms area, but I don't remember those almshouses specifically:
ReplyDeletehttps://www.flickr.com/photos/sreed99342/15894925266/
WOW, your journey there sounds truly magical...all those gorgeous colours!😊😊
ReplyDeleteIsn't it wonderful how almshouses, no matter which part of the country they happen to be in, are always architecturally fascinating?
Such a pity you couldn't go in...I would love to go inside one. I imagine they would have a wonderful homely atmosphere!
Many thanks.
Greetings from Hampshire. 👍
Mario, what a fabulous post!
ReplyDeleteThis piece was so informative and well-written. Thanks so much!
So interesting to read, thank you.
ReplyDeleteI do like the photograph of the gate.
All the best Jan
It is a fun cycling activity to see the ancient housing complex. The beauty is that the complex has been preserved until now.
ReplyDeleteGreetings from Indonesia.
I can't help but imagine what life was like for the residents of such places. It must have been an interesting place to visit. Wishing you a day filled with beauty and blessings.
ReplyDeleteHello Mario, what an interesting post!
ReplyDeleteThank you for your kind comment. We have some health issues in our family now. I'm looking forward to reading your posts with more time.
Take care!
Interesting post. What a life for these people.
ReplyDeletecuanto arte siempre hay en lo que escribes y presentas Un brindis por vos
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