Unusual Sights in London Weird & Wonderful London Goodwins CourtGoodwins Court
Goodwins Court was built in the 1690s and is an alley in London containing a row of former Georgian shops which have changed very little in the intervening
years. Popular as a location shoot, it can be found just off St. Martin's Lane, on the east side of the road.
In the days before a fire service was created, individual businesses had to insure against fire. An appropriate fire mark was displayed outside the building so that if a fire broke out then fire-fighting teams would know whether to proceed, or leave the building to burn. Harsh. One still exists on Goodwins Court, which is surprising as they're very collectable. It was usual for several 'Insurance Brigades' to tend a fire, to see if it was one of theirs. To distinguish themselves they had different colourful uniforms. If the fire was a considerable blaze they would have to work the hand-pumps for several hours, which was an energy sapping job. It was common to enlist volunteers to take over pumping duties, by offering passers-by 'beer tokens' as an incentive.
The 'Insurance Brigades' were set up after the Great Fire of London, in 1666, but were later replaced by the London Fire Engine Establishment in 1833. The LFEE eventually became the modern London Fire Brigade.
Goodwins Court, WC2N 4LL (approximately).
Leicester Square or Covent Garden Tube.
