Category: London Characters
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The Real-Life Inspiration Behind Call the Midwife: The Gritty Truth of East End Midwifery
Call the Midwife, the much-loved BBC drama, has captured the hearts of millions with its portrayal of midwifery in the post-war East End of London. Its mix of heartwarming moments, gritty realities, and a colourful cast of characters has made it a beloved show for over a decade. But behind the drama’s captivating storylines lies…
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Bumper Harris: The Professional One-Legged Escalator Rider
In the grand history of London’s transport system, where engineers, conductors, and station staff have all played their part, there stands one man with a singularly unusual role: Bumper Harris, the professional one-legged escalator rider. A name that sounds like it was plucked straight from the pages of a Dickens novel, Bumper Harris was, in…
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Soho George: Icon and Enigma
In the bustling, art-infused streets of Soho, one figure stands out—a man dressed impeccably, often seen in tailored suits, an embodiment of charm and style. This is George Skeggs, known far and wide as “Soho George.” A true fixture in the neighborhood, George is much more than a local celebrity; he’s an artist, a style…
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The Man Who Tastes the Tube
Imagine riding the tube on your commute and tasting sausage and eggs at Tottenham Court Road, a sweet burst of dolly mixtures at Camden Town, or pea & ham soup at Green Park—all without a single bite. For James Wannerton, a resident of Dollis Hill in North London, this is everyday life. James has synaesthesia,…
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Leigh Bowery: The Living Art of London’s Underground
London in the 1980s was a time of rebellion, experimentation, and transformation, and Leigh Bowery stood at the very heart of it all. An artist, designer, nightclub promoter, and provocateur, Bowery didn’t just break the mold—he redefined it. His life and work were an exuberant spectacle of colour, controversy, and creativity, cementing his place as…
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The Mole Man of Hackney
William Lyttle, better known as the “Mole Man of Hackney,” spent decades creating an extraordinary labyrinth of tunnels beneath his home, transforming his quiet neighbourhood into the setting for one of London’s most bizarre urban legends.
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The Life and Legend of John Bindon: London’s Real-Life Gangster Actor
John Bindon was a man who seemed to step straight out of a gritty British crime film—because, quite often, he did. Born on October 4, 1943, in Fulham, London, Bindon rose to fame as an actor. However, his off-screen life, rife with tales of high society liaisons, alleged criminal connections, and even heroic acts, made…