Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Winkles and shrimps every Sunday: the death of a Cockney religious shrine
When I worked in the Clerkenwell area in the 1970s I often passed by the sign on a window in the Farringdon Road proclaiming "Winkles and shrimps every Sunday". It was emblazoned on the top glass panel of a green door. In the 1990s when I was again working in the area the sign was still there but was fading and peeling. This process has continued and the last time I was there six months ago it had all but vanished.
The sign is commemorated in the book Discover Unexpected London by Andrew Lawson. He notes:" This abrupt sign appears to be offering the sacraments of a new religion. In fact it marks the front door of...a popular shellfish stall holder. During the week he sells winkles and shrimps from the stall. On a Sunday, knowing that the London addict cannot go for twenty-four hours without a dish of winkles, he dispenses them from home".
The sign is commemorated in the book Discover Unexpected London by Andrew Lawson. He notes:" This abrupt sign appears to be offering the sacraments of a new religion. In fact it marks the front door of...a popular shellfish stall holder. During the week he sells winkles and shrimps from the stall. On a Sunday, knowing that the London addict cannot go for twenty-four hours without a dish of winkles, he dispenses them from home".
Labels: Clerkenwell, Farringdon, London, Shrimps, Winkles
