Mare Street, London E8 to West End Lane, London NW6 at a distance of 7.48 miles                                                                                                          21.01.16

“… alas I am also reminded of when last I went that way and did make note to ensure a dry day but the heavy clouds begin to thicken further and I also learn that sadly Mr Mason has since passed from the cough he endured upon my last walk west. I begin to feel that to walk even part of the same path will lead me in to the Fleet and the arms of the man Bogget again, he who gave me passage before was but a rogue and nearly tipped me in for my troubles! I shall be very happy not to make his acquaintance again, as if ever I met a more worse individual I find it hard to contemplate. Still my mind is made and my dearest Caroline is with her mother this end of week so see no reason not to make the journey and believe I can be there in less than the six hours I did declare to my friend Mr Lang, the Italian and any later he will leave me none of the fat Goose as was promised!”

Extract:  ‘Thine Walks Surround Us All’  by William Bull  November 1785

attrib: William H. David’s ‘The Bull Family of London’ pub. 1847

“… and here I am barely six months later and find myself upon the most extraordinary view I can remember, all the mud is gone, the foulness of smell dispersed and surroundings so convivial as to be almost absurd. Small children play happily in the street and their nurses and mothers chatter as if lived here since time began! ‘Tis a most agreeable scene as can be recorded and a tribute to those whose labours did accomplish it and to the greatness of the empire with its ability to complete great works with skill and cleverness. It’s as though the lord himself has come upon the land brightly and I take great joy in this industry…”

Diary of The Reverend Henry Turnbull   October 1865

attrib: Thomas Bell’s ‘The Turnbull’s of Suffolk’ pub 1949 by David Bell