please empty your brain below
The Excalibur estate really is something else isn't it? I used to visit patients here, and on Torridon Rd too - this has been quite the trip down memory lane.

Jackie | Homepage | 14.10.09 - 7:21 a.m. | #

THere can't be many other Post Offices exactly on the Meridian apart from Torridon Road, SE6.

felix | 14.10.09 - 7:40 a.m. | #

Nice to see the prefabs, such a common site once. Lets hope they keep these last few as a reminder of the quick "temporary" dwellings to replace housing stock after WW2.This estate looks well cared for.
I remember visiting people who lived in prefabs after the war and as a child they seemed very modern and "posh". This was when most old housing stock was terraced, cold water, tin bath and an outside wc.
The prefabs then seemed wonderful.

John | 14.10.09 - 8:59 a.m. | #

Thanks for the map, DG. Seems like I once lived on the meridian in Grove Green Road, Leytonstone, and I didn't even know!

Jeremy | 14.10.09 - 11:29 a.m. | #

A fascinating series of posts. And the coincidence is, I was actually at the Observatory, showing around some visitors from Italy, on Monday.

As regards the Excalibur estate (which is in the borough of Lewisham), I've got to say that I don't think the battle to save it is anywhere near over yet. Other prefabs, say, in the neighbouring borough of Southwark, are still very much 'at risk', with some being demolished only earlier this year. Examples of these recently lost prefabs can be found in Ivydale Road, Fernholme Road and Athenlay Road [background info here]

RogerW | 14.10.09 - 1:25 p.m. | #

I've lived in HG for a while now, passing through the station twice a day, and never noticed the meridian marker - thanks for pointing it out. Though the tunnel leading up to the station isn't anywhere near as scary as the Flickr commenters make it out to be...

Novaelius | 14.10.09 - 2:38 p.m. | #

The Excalibur Estate looks like one of the many trailer parks in America. What a delightful find. I hope it wins it's battle.
Fascinating series of posts DG. Can't wait to see what you discover tomorrow.

CornishCockney | 14.10.09 - 5:19 p.m. | #

Brilliant DG. I am thrilled and also sad that I never knew that I grew up down the street on Sandhurst Road from the zero degree line.

My parents got married in that church and I went to nursery school there.

When I was a kid I used to think the prefabs were weird and scary, but the older generations felt a sense of pride over them. I'm astonished they are still there in such good condition.

Thanks again DG.

ChicagoAddick | Homepage | 17.10.09 - 5:23 p.m. | #











TridentScan v2.10.0 | Privacy Policy