Ive long been fascinated with Cecil Court, an alleyway that runs between St Martins Lane and Charing Cross Road. The site was originally purchased in 1609, but the first buildings are thought to have been constructed in the 1670s. It was owned by the Cecil family, and was even home to Mozart for a short period of time. Cecil Court Looking down Cecil Court from St Martins Lane to Charing Cross Road large image The original Cecil Court was pulled down during the nineteenth century and rebuilt in the 1890s. Its early links were with the film industry: the first tenants included film distributors and suppliers of film equipment leading to the nickname of Flicker Alley. The Court has been used for film locations; Miss Potter, and 84 Charing Cross Road are among the movies filmed there. Noted thespians, such as Ellen Terry and John Gielgud also lived in the flats above the shops. Cecil Court is now more commonly associated with second hand books. Gilbert and William Foyle opened their first West End bookshop at no 16 in 1904. Business was so successful that they were able to relocate and open the famous Foyles Bookshop on Charing Cross Road within two years. Their story is related in David Lows autobiography, With All Faults,which includes Graham Greenes introduction: thank God! Cecil Court remains Cecil Court. Greene used to shop for books in the locality.
Posted on: Sun, 30 Mar 2014 19:23:34 +0000
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