This Week In London’s History
- Monday – 6 May 1990: In the first of several changes to London’s telephone dialling codes over the course of a decade, London’s old ‘01’ code is replaced by ‘071’ for inner London exchanges and ‘081’ for those in outer London.
- Tuesday – 7 May 1663: The Theatre Royal, Drury Lane opens for the first time. There have actually been four theatres on this site since the 17th century, and the first one didn’t even last nine years before burning down in 1672. The second was built in 1674, but demolished in 1791. The third lasted from 1794 until it burned down in 1809. Finally, the current theatre on this site was opened in 1812.
- Wednesday – 8 May 1984: The Thames Barrier flood defence at Woolwich is officially opened. The massive structure is the second largest movable flood barrier in the world.
- Thursday – 9 May 1949: Britain’s first self-service launderette is opened on Queensway, West London.
- Friday – 10 May 1941: The Palace of Westminster is badly damaged during an air raid, destroying the chamber of the House of Commons and killing three people.
Random London Quote Of The Week
Three hundred years ago a prisoner condemned to the Tower of London carved on the wall of his cell this sentiment to keep up his spirits during his long imprisonment: "It is not adversity that kills, but the impatience with which we bear adversity."
Father James Keller
Picture by pixelhut via the Londonist Flickr Pool.