The Castle

I have belatedly been reading Kendallishere's suggestion that people could do a project on "One Street". After she recommended it, I tracked down a copy of "Blue Moon over Thurman Street" and found it inspirational. I thought I would make a start on my "one street": Cowcross Street in Clerkenwell.

It's called Cowcross Street (believe it or not!) because this is where the cows crossed a stream on their way to Smithfield Meat Market. Today it has Smithfield Market at one end and Farringdon station (opened on 10 January 1863 as the terminus of the original Metropolitan Railway) at the other end. It's a scruffy street of cafes and restaurants, offices for architects and charities, and it has two pubs.

The Castle's website say "The understated appeal of The Castle conceals a regal past that's the stuff of pub legend. This refreshingly down-to-earth Farringdon public house was once frequented by King George IV, who was tempted in by a spot of cockfighting. Arriving without money, he promptly issued the pub with a pawnbroker's licence and handed over his gold watch to fund a flutter. Today, you'll be relieved to hear, The Castle is favoured for its sublime selection of beers and stunning function room rather than feuding poultry." It was too hot for the drinkers to stand outside the pub at lunch time today, but in the evenings they spill across the road as if it was a pedestrianized area.

If you missed my change of blip yesterday to the Red Devils, it's here.