"The Secret Lore of London"

C

carol27 Mar 29, 2016 18:42:25

Replying to tjj

tjj wrote:

I purchased The Secret Lore of London over the weekend and thought I'd mention here under London rather than add it to the too long 'book thread'. Anyone who lives/lived in, or has connections with, London will love it although I'll be the first to say its probably not for those only interested in evidence based archaeology. Description on back cover says "London is an ancient city, whose foundation dates back literally thousands of years into legendary prehistory. Not surprisingly, it has accumulated a large number of stories, both historic and mythical, during that period, many of which, though faithfully at the time, have lain almost forgotten in dusty libraries throughout the city."
I'm finding it fascinating.

Edited by John Matthews and Caroline Wise, its chapters are written by contributors such as Nigel Pennick.
Price £14.99 (less on Amazon)
ISBN 978-1-473-62024-7

I've been thinking about London & what must be "buried beneath" for a while now; with my very limited knowledge. It's been a focal point for so long, with major uphauling & construction. I was watching the Cross Rail new underground excavations & there was so much there.

M

Markoid Mar 29, 2016 20:09:55

Replying to tjj

tjj wrote:

I purchased The Secret Lore of London over the weekend and thought I'd mention here under London rather than add it to the too long 'book thread'. Anyone who lives/lived in, or has connections with, London will love it although I'll be the first to say its probably not for those only interested in evidence based archaeology. Description on back cover says "London is an ancient city, whose foundation dates back literally thousands of years into legendary prehistory. Not surprisingly, it has accumulated a large number of stories, both historic and mythical, during that period, many of which, though faithfully at the time, have lain almost forgotten in dusty libraries throughout the city."
I'm finding it fascinating.

Edited by John Matthews and Caroline Wise, its chapters are written by contributors such as Nigel Pennick.
Price £14.99 (less on Amazon)
ISBN 978-1-473-62024-7

Thanks.

I'll look into it. Looks like a fascinating read.

T

tjj Mar 30, 2016 09:54:59

Replying to tjj

I spent over two decades living in North London and have to say when I left missed it terribly - not the hussle and bustle, certainly not the Underground but London's green spaces, some of which retained a sense of timelessness. One of my favourite places to walk was Hampstead Heath. Which, to quote the from the book:
"In the Middle Ages was still part of the great forest of Middlesex, inhabited by red deer, wild boar and even wild cattle. Now only the small Kenwood and Queen's Wood, Highgate survive.
In this great forest our ancestors lived a nomadic life, moving from one campsite to another as they hunted and gathered plants for food. there was a Mesolithic camp-site near Leg-Of-Mutton Pond where hundreds of flint implements were found, together with an axe and the post holes of primitive shelters from 8,000-6,000BC. There was also a Neolithic settlement for thousands of years on the west heath from 4000-2000BC. The sandy soil proved ideal for both crops and for grazing cattle. It is certain that the presence of a settlement would have meant there were sacred sites close at hand."(end quote:The Secret Lore Of London)

I put the last sentence of this passage in italics because one of the lessons I've learnt by reading the contributions to this forum from people such as Tiompan, is that we shouldn't assume that evidence of settlements is the same as 'sacred' or 'ritual' landscapes. Observance of the yearly cycle may have taken place for purely practical reasons. But then we come back to the definition of 'sacred' - if it means that which sustains life e.g. spring, fresh water etc., then sacred sites probably are where people have settled and lived.

That's my mental meanderings for the day, must get on ....

&quot;The Secret Lore of London&quot;