London the health resort

Here it is as promised a few days ago another snip from William Macrie’s The Diary of a London Explorer (1934)

From the section entitled What is London?

“London’s master problem is gambling. There is no drink problem.

London is a health resort. According to Dr. Saleeby London’s water is the finest in the world. See Naples and die. See London and live.

London’s greatest glory is its port.”

I should explain that Macrie founded The London Explorers Club and this book documents his walks and various engagements with his city and its surrounding areas.

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I have to confess the entire time I lived in London I did not detect any noticeable health benefits from the experience. Maybe I needed to spend more time at the port to acquire them!

Two snips from a mildly curious topographical book I am reading on London by William Macrie: In a section called What is London? this:

“The Elephant and Castle is said to be the geographical centre of London”

Who knew? Certainly not me when I lived precisely there. I always thought I was living in the deep South. There was also a description of Southwark Cathedral surrounded by Borough Potato Market insisting this gave it the “human touch”

Tomorrow I’ll give you the classic part about the healing properties of London water. (I think he’s referring to tap water, not random puddles)