Last Saturday I was in Southwark, London SE1, researching locations for my new novel.
To me, the setting for a novel must have a strong emotional connection. My first two novels were set in the Cotswolds, near where I now live. My next novels will be set in London, near where I was born and brought up.
What a fascinating part of London Southwark is, rich in layers of history, the medieval squashed in with the 21st century, sparkling new towers, majestic cathedral, paupers graveyard and bustling market and Dickensian street names and eccentric pubs all crammed in together – and one of London’s most colourful and stimulating walks, along Bankside, from More London right through to the London Eye…..
But what I’m interested in isn’t just the tourist sites; it’s the atmosphere, the pubs, the unexpected small parks and gardens, the odd corners and street names. Here’s a selection from the many photos I took. And I’ll be back again, absorbing the feel of the place, and imagining my characters into it.
I feel a strange aversion to visiting London… maybe it is my “Northern roots” or maybe there are some old memories that don’t wish to be disturbed. Your blog post certainly piqued my interest, however!
Thank you for your comment – certainly with feelings like that I always think “follow your instincts”! Still, I’m glad my post piqued your interest. I think you’d be intrigued by the story of the Crossbones Graveyard in Redcross Way, Southwark.
Yes, that one did capture my interest when I was reading 🙂
Reblogged this on Lance Greenfield.
Thank you Lance.