References
Chart showing the number of references in each month of the diary’s entries.
Shadwell, Middlesex
Map
The overlays that highlight 17th century London features are approximate and derived from Wenceslaus Hollar’s maps:
- Built-up London – London before the Fire
- City of London wall and Great Fire damage – London after the Fire
Open location in Google Maps: 51.516628, -0.076852
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2 Annotations
Second Reading
San Diego Sarah • Link
Shadwell Stair
.
I am the ghost of Shadwell Stair.
Along the wharves by the water-house,
And through the cavernous slaughter-house,
I am the shadow that walks there.
.
Yet I have flesh both firm and cool,
And eyes tumultuous as the gems
Of moons and lamps in the full Thames
When dusk sails wavering down the pool.
.
Shuddering the purple street-arc burns
Where I watch always; from the banks
Dolorously the shipping clanks
And after me a strange tide turns.
.
I walk till the stars of London wane
And dawn creeps up the Shadwell Stair.
But when the crowing syrens blare
I with another ghost am lain.
-- The author, Wilfred Owen, was killed in November 1918 but wrote this poem earlier that year.
San Diego Sarah • Link
Shadwell, Middlesex, derives its name from a spring anciently dedicated to St Chad. The parish lies on the river Thames, 2½ miles ESE of St Paul's, London, was part of Stepney until 1669, continued until then to be a hamlet, belonging to the Neales.
It was inhabited in its lower part chiefly by ship-chandlers, provision merchants, sailmakers, coopers, and seamen.
A Roman grave was found in 1615, and in 1745 a mineral spring called Shadwell Spa was discovered, which was found useful in the treatment of cutaneous diseases.
Highlights from https://ukga.org/england/Middlese…