Holborn Circus and Viaduct, c.1894

Original description by George Birch in 1894

Holborn Circus is the termination of Holborn, which is a continuation of Oxford Street. Holborn Viaduct, which is built chiefly of iron, was designed by Haywood, and finished in 1869. The object of its construction was to ease the tremendous amount of traffic between Oxford Street and the City. It extends from Newgate to Hatton Garden, a length of 465 yards, and it has a breadth of 27 yards. It has a very fine effect, owing partly to its curved form. Rows of buildings of a uniform architecture on either side of the viaduct conceal its actual construction. Close by is the City Temple, where Dr. Parker officiates; near, also, is the Church of St. Sepulchre, where a bell is tolled when there is an execution in Newgate.

Other observations

The various signs read, as far as I can tell: Upper floors to be let, Chocolat Suchard, ...retti & Zambra, Trade Marks Office [halfway down on the left], Forester & Sons Ltd, The City Bank Limited, Humber & Co.

The church tower seen at right is that of St. Andrew Holborn, that to the right of the statue and partly obscured by the right hand building is the City Temple, and the tower in the distance directly beyond the statue is the Church of St. Sepulchre.

It seems likely that the framework on the roof of the right hand building is to support early telegraph or telephone wires. In the picture they seem to be running horizontally along the roof tops.

Geolocation

Subject at centre of picture: TQ 3149 8156, the statue.
Camera position: possibly TQ 3136 8156 approx.
Camera height: 6ft.
View direction: E
View angle: ??° approx.
Focal length (35mm equiv): ??mm approx.

Nearest similar geograph

Technical information

See here.

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Peter Facey, Winchester, England
20110130

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