Funny Stuff From Victorian London! So They Did Have A Sense Of Humor!

Author:
Nell Rose
Updated:
May 12, 2017

In these famous words by Noel Coward, London explains itself beautifully!

'I don't know what London's coming to,
the higher the building the lower the morals!'

This famous quote by the great writer Noel Coward could encompass the whole of London's History. Along with the weird and wonderful, there was much poverty and grime. The smell could knock you sideways on a good day, and kill you on a bad. But among all this were the men and women who could make you smile, exclaim with wonder and change the humdrum life into something magical.

This is the city where the inventors and scientists began their trade, little knowing that one day the whole World would be using their marvelous inventions. From electricity to Antibiotics. The World started here.

But before that happened we did have some pretty strange characters.

The Burlington Arcade London.

The Curious Case of the Flying Cats

Piccadilly in London is one of the most famous streets in the whole World. But just a short distance away lay a row of tiny shops from the Georgian period. They are hardly changed at all. In fact they were built in 1819.

These are in the Burlington Arcade. And apart from having the character of old London, they are here for, well, a rather strange reason! The arcade was built over a narrow alley that lay beside the rather grand sounding Burlington House. This is now the home of the Royal Academy but it started out as a private house.

Lord George Cavendish was the owner and resident at the time. He used to love sitting in his garden, but often complained of being constantly hit by on his head by apple cores, shells and old bottles!

Even more bizarre he was often bashed on the bonce by a flying cat! Of course the cat was dead, but at the time Lord Cavendish wasn't aware of that, only seeing the fir fly as it came at him over the wall!

After putting up with this for a few months he decided that he was fed up to the back teeth by cats flying, bottles crashing and so on, so decided to build a row of shops so that the thieves, beggars and ruffians could no longer bash him on the head.

You could say that when the shops were built there was no longer enough room to swing a cat! But of course I won't say it!

Funny Victorian lady riding a bicycle. Proof that not all old photos were so serious! lol!

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i-was-able-to-dump-my-previous-trash-collection-service

wednesday-of-the-first-week-in-ordinary-time

1900's London real footage of days gone by.

Parlour maid

The Daily Grind

Taking A Stroll in Hyde Park.

The Strange Tale Of How Women Bought Men!

The second we mention the fact that women were buying men back as early as 1820, one thought comes to mind. I mean it would wouldn't it? We are all aware of men doing the same thing back then and of course these days too. But this isn't quite what it seems. Or maybe it is.

A rather strange tradition of women buying men existed in Victorian London. And as the saying goes,

'It was rather the thing to do'!

So, how did this come about? The story starts at the time of the developments of two main London features. Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens.

At this time Kensington Gardens was a private area used only by the Royals of the day and their helpers or courtiers.

On the other hand Hyde Park was open to everybody, so of course it soon turned into a den of iniquity.

Along with the ladies of the night plying their trade, there were robbers and thieves making the Gardens their dens.

So the local girls came up with a plan.

To go for their nightly stroll in Hyde park as they were won't to do back then, the girls, usually servants or maids decided that the best and most safe way was to hire, or buy a man.

And these men were the local soldiers!

They would pay the soldiers to escort them around the park, with the girls showing off their 'wares' to the their friends, and trying to outdo each other by choosing the best looking soldier as their beau!

He would of course have to wear full dress uniform, and polish himself up to the best that he could be!

A walk in the park would cost nine old penny's if you chose an artilleryman, a guardsman would set you back a pretty penny, or should I say, a shilling! The lowest was of course the Private, who only cost sixpence!

If only they would bring it back, how big would the queues be?!

A Walk In The Park A Cuddle And a Lark!

What better way to relax than meet their beau's for a kiss and cuddle!

Edwardian London Silent Film

Now Known as Magpie Lane Oxford

Named after a Communal Water Butt.

Grope What Lane?!

The modern world is where we always believe that anything goes. We can say what we will, do what we want and nothing ever shocks us.

In the same way we would believe that back in the middle ages and continuing up until the Victorian era things would be completely different.

With all the religious fervor around, and women knowing their place, the old days would of course be so much more reserved, and anything slightly titillating would have been looked on with shock, or even causing a lady to swoon!

Or as they said back then, 'she had a touch of the vapors!'

But it seems that once again we are wrong to assume this idea. In fact there were places and streets that were named after certain, well, more amorous deeds!

For example, during the reign of Charles II, Nell Gwyn was always referred to as the King's Whore, but actually back then it was seen as a sign of endearment, or nearly. There was not the stigma that the word has now.

And if you look at old street maps of London, you may be surprised to find a few rather strange names on the street corners.

Take Addle street, to a medieval person this would mean 'filthy spot'. You can take that any way you like!

And Fetter Lane, which actually still exists, in 1450 meant the street of the dirty beggars.

Here's one you may recognise, and yes good old London started it off! Shiteburn Lane just around the corner from Canon street was named, wait for it.....because of the number of cess pools around that area!

Did I hear you say, well I never? Well yes you did!

But the most famous, and I have to be really careful here......! Was a lane that ran North from an area called Cheapside.

It was called, Grope....t Street! Please add the three letters that are short for well, work it out will you?

It was of course the haunt of 'The ladies of the night'.

There were many street and alley names that we just wouldn't allow today. Some still stand, but others have been changed because according to local people, 'The postman doesn't believe it'!

It's a shame to think that by changing the names of the street, we are in fact losing some of our history. What we see today as rude, was merely the name of simple things back then, like the water butt and so on.

History is all around us, and each day we add to the extraordinary color and substance that was England's, or should I say, London's amazing people.

(c) copyright nell rose

Comments

Nell Rose (author) from Buckinghamshire UK on July 10, 2014:

Hi LF, LOL! yep those er street names were, um, well you know....! lol!

Joanna Chandler from Caribbean on July 10, 2014:

My word what other surprises is there in London for us Nell? eyes open wide, who in Charles Dickens, named those streets ? Golly!!

wait for it... wait for what it? lmbo

Shaking my head. LOL

Nell Rose (author) from Buckinghamshire UK on March 23, 2014:

Hi GetitScene, lol! better than cats and dogs! I have heard of that happening but have never seen it, thanks so much for reading, nell

Dale Anderson from The High Seas on March 23, 2014:

INTERESTING! On the subject of flying animals, it once rained teeny-tiny frogs at my house in Adelaide, South Australia. It was very strange.

Nell Rose (author) from Buckinghamshire UK on March 23, 2014:

Hi BK, thanks so much for reading, glad you liked it, have a wonderful Sunday!

Brenda Thornlow from New York on March 23, 2014:

Great & entertaining hub! I love reading about odd facts like these. Thank you for sharing. Voted up!

Nell Rose (author) from Buckinghamshire UK on March 13, 2014:

Hi suraj, lol! yes that cat! yes its gone out of fashion now! lol! I am sure the infantry would be honored! thanks for reading, and making me laugh! nell

suraj punjabi from jakarta on March 13, 2014:

My god! I cannot imagine how disgusted I would be if a dead cat flew over my head. I already hate it when a mosquito or fly lands on my head but a dead cat??? The horror! I went to London on my honeymoon what a lovely and vibrant city. Thank god the dead cat throwing had gone out of fashion by the time I went there! How much do you think an infantry would cost now? I'm tired of companying my wife for shopping, and I would like to buy one for her birthday! Lol! :)

Nell Rose (author) from Buckinghamshire UK on February 03, 2014:

Hi Eddy, thanks so much for reading, and I am glad you liked it, nell

Eiddwen from Wales on February 03, 2014:

Your hubs Nell are interesting ,unique and a breath of fresh air.

You must have so much fun creating them. Here's to so many more for us both to share on here.

Eddy.

Nell Rose (author) from Buckinghamshire UK on November 10, 2013:

Hi Laurie, yes isn't it amazing that film goes back to the 1850s I believe! thanks so much for reading, and great to see you!

Nell Rose (author) from Buckinghamshire UK on November 10, 2013:

Hi mary, back again? lol! thanks so much, hope you are having a great day, nell

Rayne123 on November 10, 2013:

I was watching this old film on London as I never noticed it the first time I read this hub. I did not know they even had film in 1904, this is quite interesting.

I love those days

Thank you again

Blessings

Laurie

Mary Craig from New York on November 10, 2013:

'It was rather the thing to do'! If it was, you'll find it and share it dear lady. What would we do without our education from Nell? You certainly know how to peak our interest with your titles and then draw us in with your humorous yet enchanting stories.

Seems good old London has staying power and its colorful past only adds to it.

Voted up, useful, awesome, and interesting.

Nell Rose (author) from Buckinghamshire UK on November 07, 2013:

Thanks so much tobusiness, glad you liked it, good old London back in the day, smelly obnoxious but full of amazing people! lol!

Jo Alexis-Hagues from Lincolnshire, U.K on November 07, 2013:

Nell, another beauty! The history of London is certainly colourful, in some cases pretty incredulous, but always interesting and entertaining. Thank you for the fun trip back in time.

Nell Rose (author) from Buckinghamshire UK on November 04, 2013:

Hi suzette, lol! yes tours maybe the right thing to call them, pity we can't go back in time for a look see! thanks as always, nell

Nell Rose (author) from Buckinghamshire UK on November 04, 2013:

Hi electronician, thanks so much, glad you enjoyed it, nell

Nell Rose (author) from Buckinghamshire UK on November 04, 2013:

Hi Kathryn, thanks so much for reading, I just love all these weird and wonderful, and lets face it totally batty stories from old London! lol!

Suzette Walker from Taos, NM on November 04, 2013:

Nell, these hubs are hilarious. The old history of London here is wonderful and you should charge admission for your 'tours.' LOL People are just people everywhere and some things just don't change. I love your tongue in cheek writing also.

Dean Walsh from Birmingham, England on November 04, 2013:

Beautifully written enchanting tales, I really enjoyed this hub :)

Kathryn from Windsor, Connecticut on November 03, 2013:

These are interesting stories that I have never heard! Thanks for sharing them with us.

I like your playful, conversational tone in this. Your style is so easy to read, and amusing.

Voted up and across, and sharing.

Have a great night!

~ Kathryn

Nell Rose (author) from Buckinghamshire UK on November 01, 2013:

Hi ChitrangadaSharan, thanks so much for reading, nell

Chitrangada Sharan from New Delhi, India on November 01, 2013:

This is such an interesting hub with lovely pictures and video!

I always find your London tales very interesting. Thank you for sharing!

Nell Rose (author) from Buckinghamshire UK on October 30, 2013:

lol! thanks Shyron! I hope so! thanks so much for reading and sharing, nell

Shyron E Shenko from Texas on October 30, 2013:

So funny Nell, I liked where the women were buying men. I just wonder if any of them got their money's worth.

Shared on fb, voted-UP FAI and shared

Nell Rose (author) from Buckinghamshire UK on October 27, 2013:

Hi Paula, Aw thank you! oh lol! yes the kings, what?? great to see you!

Nell Rose (author) from Buckinghamshire UK on October 27, 2013:

HI Crafty lol! yes wish they still did it! thanks so much for reading, nell

Suzie from Carson City on October 27, 2013:

Nell....How incredibly fascinating and educational. If this hadn't come from one as dear as you, I don't know that I'd believe a word of it!! You surely do HP proud, Nell, my friend. I totally LOVE your stories.......( I will say, I just can't imagine when, where or HOW it was ever "endearing" to be called a whore......the King's or anyone's!! But if you say so....... LOL...UP++

CraftytotheCore on October 27, 2013:

This is truly interesting. I love how the women used to buy their guys. Fascinating stuff! I didn't know about all of this history and the funny streets.

Nell Rose (author) from Buckinghamshire UK on October 23, 2013:

Thanks Deb, I just love all the strange things in history they make me laugh! lol!

Nell Rose (author) from Buckinghamshire UK on October 23, 2013:

Thanks MsDora! lol! that would be great wouldn't it? glad you liked it, nell

Deb Hirt from Stillwater, OK on October 23, 2013:

Great material, as always, Nell. If it wasn't for you, I would not be getting accurate English history. I thank you for that.

Dora Weithers from The Caribbean on October 23, 2013:

All interesting stories, but if only they would bring the uniformed men for hire! Thank you fore these strange and laughable memories from the past.

Nell Rose (author) from Buckinghamshire UK on October 22, 2013:

Hi Becky, glad you liked it, and thanks!

Nell Rose (author) from Buckinghamshire UK on October 22, 2013:

HI dahoglund, lol! yes it would be great wouldn't it? thanks for reading, nell

Becky Katz from Hereford, AZ on October 22, 2013:

Good, fun history. Just my kind. Enjoyable hub Nell.

Don A. Hoglund from Wisconsin Rapids on October 22, 2013:

I enjoyed these tidbits of social history. Maybe we wouldn't have been so bored in our history classes if more facts and stories of this sort had been included.sharing.

Nell Rose (author) from Buckinghamshire UK on October 20, 2013:

Thanks Anna, I just can't help myself! lol! I love funny History the people back then were so clever and versatile with what they had, thanks for reading, nell

Anna Haven from Scotland on October 19, 2013:

Your hubs are always interesting Nell. Funny and strange times gone past! Good hub :)

Nell Rose (author) from Buckinghamshire UK on October 19, 2013:

Thanks drbj, great to see you, yes we were a funny lot back then! lol!

Nell Rose (author) from Buckinghamshire UK on October 19, 2013:

Thanks Jodah, glad you liked it, nell

drbj and sherry from south Florida on October 18, 2013:

Amazing and well-written stories, Nell. You kept my complete attention from the very first word to the last. From flying cats to rented escorts to strange street names. Well done, m'dear. And the videos were perfect, too.

John Hansen from Australia (Gondwana Land) on October 18, 2013:

Hi Nell, I found this hub so interesting, educational and funny at the same time. I got to the end wanting to read more, so I'll be off to immediately check your other hubs. Voted up ++

Nell Rose (author) from Buckinghamshire UK on October 18, 2013:

Hi kitty, great to see you and thanks! yes those street names! lol! I knew they had to come from somewhere!

Nell Rose (author) from Buckinghamshire UK on October 18, 2013:

Hi pearl, lol! no all through Londons history its been a little bit risque! haha! thanks for reading, nell

Nell Rose (author) from Buckinghamshire UK on October 18, 2013:

Thanks DDE, glad you liked it, and thanks for reading, nell

Devika Primić from Dubrovnik, Croatia on October 18, 2013:

How To Stop Cat's Flying And Other Tales From London's Rather Strange Past! truly amazing about English History so much to learn about and somehow I have neglected to get into it. I enjoyed learning here and a well informed hub about such strange happenings.

Connie Smith from Southern Tier New York State on October 18, 2013:

Well, Nell, I was under the false impression that Victorian London was prim and proper! Boy, was I wrong LOL!

This is an amazing account, and very much an eye-opener. Thanks for sharing more of what humans do best--be human ;) Pearl

Kitty Fields from Summerland on October 17, 2013:

Very interesting...I don't find the street names surprising one bit. Awesome stories, Nell!

Nell Rose (author) from Buckinghamshire UK on October 17, 2013:

Hi Faith, thanks so much, great to see you! nell

Nell Rose (author) from Buckinghamshire UK on October 17, 2013:

Hi Alicia, thanks so much for reading, I am glad you liked it, nell

Nell Rose (author) from Buckinghamshire UK on October 17, 2013:

Thanks Flourish, the past totally fascinates me and the people who do the funniest things, or invent something that started of strange always makes me want to read more, thanks!

Elaina Baker from USA on October 17, 2013:

What a great hub, Nell. I love your London "throwback" niche. You present it with a humorous manner yet also educate and entertain, and I enjoy the selection of photos/videos, too. Voted up and more!

Linda Crampton from British Columbia, Canada on October 16, 2013:

This is another fun and interesting hub about England's history, Nell! Thanks for the information and the entertainment.

Faith Reaper from southern USA on October 16, 2013:

Very interesting tales indeed, Nell! Thank you for sharing all of the fascinating details of London's past and its people back in the day! I am always fascinated at the people in different eras and all their ways. Funny too!

Up and more and sharing

Blessings, Faith Reaper