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View of part of Duke Street, West Smithfield, 1807
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View of part of Duke Street, West Smithfield, 1807
View of part of Duke Street, formerly Duck Lane, West Smithfield, 1807. Tudor timber houses of oak, chestnut and plaster. Man on a ladder lighting a gas lantern. Anne Siggs, malignant beggar woman with crutches at right. Copperplate engraving drawn and etched by John Thomas Smith from his Topography of London, 1813
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Media ID 23202386
© Florilegius/Mary Evans
Anne Beggar Cobbles Crutches Duck Gutter Lane Plaster Smithfield Timber Topography Tudor Wagon Smith
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This print, titled 'View of part of Duke Street, formerly Duck Lane, West Smithfield, 1807,' offers a glimpse into the historic past of London's West Smithfield area. The image, created as a copperplate engraving by John Thomas Smith for his Topography of London in 1813, showcases the picturesque Tudor-style houses that once lined the cobblestone streets. The architectural beauty of these structures is evident in their timber frames, made of oak, chestnut, and plaster, which stand proudly against the backdrop of the bustling urban landscape. In the foreground, a man can be seen perched atop a ladder, lighting a gas lantern, perhaps preparing for the evening hours. The presence of the lantern underscores the importance of light in an era before widespread electric power. The cobblestone street is dotted with wagons and carts, their wheels rutted from the passage of countless vehicles. A gutter runs along the side of the street, collecting rainwater and channeling it away from the houses. At the right edge of the print, the figure of Anne Siggs, a malignant beggar woman, adds a poignant touch to the scene. She is depicted with her crutches, likely a testament to her physical hardships. The juxtaposition of the elegant Tudor houses and the presence of a beggar woman underscores the stark contrasts of London life during this period. This print serves as a fascinating window into the past, offering a glimpse into the domestic architecture, daily life, and social fabric of London's West Smithfield area over 200 years ago.
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