1819 and Lord George Cavendish, who at the time resided
in nearby Burlington House (now the Royal Academy), was like any modern man in
that he wanted to keep his wife happy, this after she complained of 'drunks and
ruffians' interrupting her and her friends shopping experience. Galvanising him
to set about and commission his
architect, Samuel Ware, to design a covered promenade of shops that became the
Burlington Arcade
Not content with just supplying his wife with one of
Britain's first shopping Malls the good Lord went one step further by
installing guards to protect the patrons and uphold standards with in the
Arcade. Resplendent in their Edwardian frock coats and gold braid, men brought
from the family regiment of the 10 Hussar's, became the smallest private police
force in the world ensuring there was, and still is, no whistling, singing,
busking or even running in what is still the longest and most beautiful covered
shopping street in Britain.
These custodians, known as Beadles still watch over the
Arcade, though maybe more 'approachable' than in bygone days, in fact feel free
to test their knowledge of London as they are rarely proved wrong, are still
prepared to eject anyone not respecting the traditions of this historic
landmark.
Visiting Burlington Arcade is a must, treading the
carpeted, yes carpeted, corridor is tranquil and inspiring. You tend to stroll
as if you where in a cathedral or museum, in some ways you are, you can smell
the history...that or its the excruciatingly expensive hand bags and jewellery
on display behind crystal clear glass. Yes, the Arcade was built by aristocracy
and from a shopping perspective maintains the upper class standard. Hancock the
jewellers designed and then produced every one of the 1350 Victoria Cross
medals and the boutiques including that of Lulu Guinness and David Duggan are
generally not for the pockets of the masses but then dreaming and drooling are
not, to the best of my knowledge, enforced by the Beadles.
A visit will put you in good company as Burlington boasts
a very famous guest list from the Prince Regent to Ingrid Bergman, Gladstone to
Fred Astaire through to Percy the Poltergeist, who in 1952, allegedly, rearranged
briefcases and handbags for the residents at No. 42.
Like all good disclaimer's, 'other Arcades are available' Princes, Piccadilly and Royal to name a few but, in my opinion, non quite measure up to the one built because of one mans love for his wife.
You can book a days travelling in London with Chirton Grange by visiting our website here
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