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2011: A History Lesson for London

The Trust took the opportunity of the Sundial Pillar being scaffolded for restoration and cleaning in 2011 to create four 30’ high history banners. They featured: Thomas Neale MP – The Great Projector and creator of Seven Dials; Edward Pierce – the greatest mason and sculptor of the seventeenth century and creator of the Sundial Pillar; Neale’s lotteries and the 1694 Lottery Box and Why Build Seven Streets? – Rents in the seventeenth century were by frontage. Using the novel ‘star’ layout meant that Neale could fit in 311 houses, maximising his land value and making another fortune.

A History Lesson for London A History Lesson for London A History Lesson for London A History Lesson for London

The banners were launched by superstars Wajid and Zaynah Uddin (6 and 8) and Felicity Rigby Kaner (7), children of trustees. Frank Dobson MP was the fairy with the magic wand, assisted by the Lord Mayor of Westminster Cllr. Louise Hyams.  This was followed by a reception in the newly re-opened community centre, the Seven Dials Club, attended by local residents and businesses. The project was generously sponsored by Legal & General Property who developed Central St. Giles just north of Monmouth Street.

‘A History Lesson for London’ was seen by many thousands of people over the nine months it took to restore and clean the Pillar.

Superstars with magic wand. Rt Hon Frank Dobson MP, and Cllr Louise Hyams, Lord Mayor of Westminster.

Local superstars with magic wand.
Rt Hon Frank Dobson MP and Cllr Louse Hyams, Lord Mayor of Westminster.

Superstars testing wand, which was lit with fireworks to begin event.

Superstars testing wand, which was lit with fireworks to begin event.

Abseilers lower the Thomas Neale banner.

Abseilers lower the Thomas Neale banner.

Flutterfetti is launched.

Flutterfetti is launched.

Superstars.Superstars.

Superstars.

Edward Pierce banner unfurling.

Edward Pierce banner unfurling.

Why Build Seven Streets banner unfurling.

Why Build Seven Streets banner unfurling.

Edward Pierce: Mason. architect and sculptor.

Edward Pierce: Mason. architect and sculptor.

Why Build Seven Streets?

Why Build Seven Streets?

Banners reception: Mike Bone (banner designer) and Simon Wilkes, Legal & General (sponsor).

Banners reception: Mike Bone (banner designer) and Simon Wilkes, Legal & General (sponsor).

Banners reception: Tom Welton (Shaftesbury PLC); Amanda Rigby (trustee and local resident); Tim Long (LB Camden).

Banners reception: Tom Welton (Shaftesbury PLC); Amanda Rigby (trustee and local resident); Tim Long (LB Camden).

Banners reception in the Community Centre.

Banners reception in the Community Centre.

 

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