Walbrook Stair Near the site of one of London's "lost" rivers, the Walbrook, these stairs lead down onto the foreshore of the Thames. It was once a river taxi rank, from where people would be ferried across to the "foul den" of Bankside, where bear baiting rings, brothels and playhouses provided popular entertainment. Next to Cannon Street Railway Bridge, it also provides a good view of the other bridges in the area, as well as across to the south bank of the river. If one is sure it is safe (i.e. that the tide is low and the river is flowing out towards the sea) it is possible to go onto the foreshore of the Thames here. This is where the "mudlarks" - people who searched the shore for valuable or interesting items - have scavenged throughout the ages. Links
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Watch the video to see London author and tour guide Chris Roberts telling the story of the toshers and Queen Rat at the Walbrook Stair. |