Research question: London in the 70s

[sc-fossil.livejournal.com]

One of our writers, marjorammax has asked a few questions about London in the 70s. I thought some of our great researchers and folks who lived it could point her in the right direction. Here's what she asked in her post to the comm earlier today:

Anyway, does anybody know much about London in the mid 70s? What parts were considered rough to be living in? And in what districts would there have been derelict warehouses (the Docklands maybe?)? Any and all help will be gratefully received.

There's probably something here we can all learn so chime in with your useful websites, personal knowledge and/or information, etc.

thanks!

Comments

[londonronnie.livejournal.com]

I was living in the East End of London until 1973 and then moved just a short distance away, so I can probably answer most questions about the place (or would probably know where to look if I don't know the answer!).

There were lots of rough areas in London back then, including some districts that are now very trendy and extremely expensive! Shoreditch, Hoxton, Limehouse all spring to mind...

Definitely derelict warehouses anywhere in the area that we now know as Docklands (although that name wasn't in general use back then). Similarly on the opposite side of the river - Rotherhithe, Borough, Bermondsey, Deptford...

If marjorammax (or anybody else) wants to drop me a line with any questions, either specific or of a more general nature, please feel free!

[sc-fossil.livejournal.com]

Thanks, hon! It's good to have a contact who knows what it was like. :)

[inlovewithboth.livejournal.com]

I lived in the Ruislip area (West end of the Central Line) until I was 19 (which was 1985) and my Dad was a Met Police officer duing the late 60s, 70s and 80s. Am happy to help with any queries, just message me.

[sc-fossil.livejournal.com]

Thanks for the offer!

[kiwisue.livejournal.com]

Links & stuff from my 2010 story research:

Various Docks as locations from Bob Rocca's book.
“Man without a Past”. Monday 31 July – Friday 11 August 1978. Waste land where Crabbe runs Doyle down – Albion Yard, off Rotherhithe Street, Rotherhithe (south side opposite Wapping)
‘Rogue’. Monday 5 – Friday 16 June 1978. Snack bar mobile van/Docks: West India Docks, Manchester Rd, Isle of Dogs (16 June).
‘Hunter/Hunted’. Monday 5 – Friday 16 June 1978. Brownie’s cabin cruiser/docks: Poplar Docks, Prestons Road; East India Dock, (28-30 June).
‘First Night’. Monday 3 – Friday 14 July 1978. Roof Kidnap Street/ Kidnappers car/ Shed - 7 & 9 South West India Dock Entrance, Manchester Road, Isle of Dogs, London E14 (12-14 July).
‘Not a Very Civil, Civil Servant’. Tues 29 August – Monday 11 September 1978. Burton’s House - 7 South West India Dock Entrance, Manchester Road, Isle of Dogs, London E14 (8 September).
‘Spy Probe’. Monday 11 - Friday 22 May 1981. Int car (Ferris & Twig collect envelopes): Naval Row / Blackwall Way near East India Dock (22 May).

website links
http://www.lddc-history.org.uk/ The London Docklands Development Corporation - regenerating the Docks since 1981.
http://web.archive.org/web/20070705212026/http://www.bardaglea.org.uk/bridges/6-docklands-history3.html The Barking and Dagenham website has been completely remodeled and I don't know what happened to these really brilliant history pages :(
http://museumoflondonprints.com
http://londondocklands.wordpress.com/ Then and now pictures.
http://www.disused-stations.org.uk/ shedloads of photos of closed railway stations
http://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/130135 The Geograph site sometimes throws up some brilliant historical photos. This is West India Dock, and I'm pretty sure the building on the left is (a) visible in one of the eps and (b) still there today!

[sc-fossil.livejournal.com]

Thanks so much, KWS! Great links and info.

[marjorammax.livejournal.com]

Thank you everyone.

This gives me lots to be looking at. If I need more specific answers, in the words of Arnie ... I'll be back!

[sc-fossil.livejournal.com]

There you go, M. Plenty of places to do your research. Looking forward to your story!