The City has so many fascinating stories. This entrance (the right arched door) to Bank Tube Station leads you into what was once the crypt of St Mary Woolnoth crypt.This spot has always been used for religious purposes. Bronze age man worshipped next to the holy spring that existed back then. The Romans built a temple here. In 1211 a Norman Church was built on the site. In 1711 coal taxes were used to build yet another church.
However in 1900 the church had to sell the crypt to the railways for the underground railways. The sum paid of £340,000 was a fortune back then. The railways built the fancy facade with the two reclining women figures. The woman on the left represents Electricity, surrounded by billowing thunder-clouds and shooting lightning bolts from her extended finger. Mercury reclines on the right, representing Speed. Scrolls above the figures where originally intended to bear the name of the company.
In the 21st century a Starbucks arrives alongside the entrance. What new religious purpose will appear in another 100 years do you suppose?
9 comments:
Perhaps the religion of world harmony :)
I bet the figure of Electricity was never intended to recline over a Starbucks Mo, that's progress for you!!
Mo, beautiful facade and great post. Thanks for letting me know about your difficulties to comment. I wonder what it might be? I haven't changed anything? Thank you.
Starbucks as a religious purpose - snort;-)
Excellent post! Lot's of history on this spot. Wouldn't it be great if you could go inside, order a cup of coffee (or tea for me), sit at a table and then be transported back in time to see little bits of history unfold. I wouldn't mind that as long as I was just observing and not participating.
yes.. that is a very intriguing question!
but who of us will know the difference a 100 years from now?
Probably an Apple store :oJ
To me, Starbucks is almost religious. I use my iPhone's Starbucks locator all the time.
This is an interesting post and a fine photo, Mo.
Maybe a cool place to take refuge from global warming?
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