History
- Alice Bertha ClaydenAlice was the first woman to hold a senior rank in the police force, and paved the way for other women to join the detective branch. Alice was born in 1885 in Grantham, Lincolnshire, the daughter of a police inspector. Alice first worked as a teacher and a social worker. She joined the Women’s Police Service (WPS), a civilian organization that assisted the police, in 1915. In 1919, the Metropolitan Police began to recruit women … Read more
- Kings Cross 1970’s: ProstitutionOccupation of Holy Cross Church 1982: Images on this page Courtesy of the English Collective of Prostitutes Prostitution in the Kings Cross area in 1979 was a thriving industry. The location was known for its red-light district, with strip clubs, sex shops, and brothels openly operating. Streetwalkers were also common, plying their trade in the alleyways and side streets.Prostitutes in Kings Cross came from all walks of life. Some were locals who had fallen on … Read more
- Squats in Kings Cross in 1970’sThere were a lot of squats in the Kings Cross area in 1979. The area was in a state of decline at the time, with many abandoned buildings. This made it a prime target for squatters attracted by the cheap rent and the sense of community.Some of the most famous squats in Kings Cross in the 1970s included:Derby Lodge: This squat was located on York Way, and it was home to a large community of … Read more
- Kings Cross 1979.King’s Cross in 1979 was a very different place than it is today. It was a run-down and neglected area, with many vacant buildings and empty lots. The station was dirty and overcrowded, and the surrounding streets were full of crime and poverty. The area had a long history of decline. It had once been a thriving commercial hub but had fallen on hard times in the early 20th century. The construction of Euston Station … Read more
- The 7th Battalion, Black Watch (Royal Highland Regiment)The 7th Battalion, Black Watch (Royal Highland Regiment) was a Territorial Army battalion of the British Army that saw service in both World War I and World War II. The battalion was raised in Fife in 1908 and was initially assigned to the 2nd Highland Brigade, Highland Division. In 1914, the battalion was mobilized for war and deployed to France as part of the British Expeditionary Force. The 7th Black Watch saw action in some … Read more