30 July 2003

Books read in 2002, 2003 Rodcorp's books read in 2003 (now you know what we've been doing instead of working) and 2002. 9:45:23 PM     comments

How many ways can the (exact) centre of London be defined? (in progress) Geography/latitude: Greenwich (meridian). St Pauls / The Thames / Charing Cross as the centroid - thanks to Chris (and also: Hammersley has some interesting comments on geographic centres of continents) Systemic Charing Cross station is the centre of London for Black Taxis Piccadilly Circus is considered the centre of the Underground network (though Victoria is the busiest, and the first line ran from Farringdon to Paddington via King's Cross) Postal districts: useful explanations here and here, but no mention of an origin In name (historically): Apsley House - 'No 1, London' Historical, again: Roman London. The square mile roughly defines where Roman London stood, and there was a basilica and forum in Cornhill, dating from 70/90AD. (Where were roads measured to? - thanks Chris) the flow of people: multiple centres (Struan) retail and finance: where are the most/highest transactions and revenue? Oxford Street? City of London for non-retail. Sort of related: openguides, a network of free, community-maintained city guides to which anyone can contribute (thanks Paul) Sources: London Encyclopaedia, various To check: histories of London, Museum of London. 9:06:24 PM     comments