This Week In London’s History
- Monday – 21 October 1421: Richard Whittington (the inspiration for panto character Dick Whittington), lays the foundation stone of the Greyfriars Library in Newgate Street.
- Tuesday – 22 October 1809: The Croydon Canal, linking Croydon to Deptford via Forest Hill, is opened. Requiring 28 locks to overcome the gradients of the route, it would never become a commercial success, and would be closed just 37 years later.
- Wednesday – 23 October 1731: A fire breaks out in Ashburnham House in Westminster, damaging much of the Cotton Library – a renowned collection of Middle English literature. Prompt action by the Speaker of the House of Commons manages to save about three quarters of the collection.
- Thursday – 24 October 2003: Concorde’s final commercial passenger flight touches down at Heathrow airport.
- Friday – 25 October 1976: The National Theatre on the South Bank is opened by the Queen, following several years of delays.
Random London Quote Of The Week
In London they don't like you if you're still alive.
Harvey Fierstein
Photo by bradman334 via the Londonist Flickr Pool.
