An American Werewolf and Bears

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If you have seen the film American Werewolf in London, you’ll be familiar with the final scene where David Kessler’s werewolf is shot in an ally in Soho. The top photo shows where this was filmed and it is about a mile, or so, from Soho on the north side of the Thames. Pickford Wharf has been redeveloped since then. False walls were used to give it that ally like look. The stone rose topping the buildings is part of the remains of the Bishop of Winchester’s palace. Bear Gardens, a name that hides a great deal of cruelty as this was where bear baiting took place. Sadly it wasn’t just bears, but dogs, bulls, rats and even chimpanzees fought to the death. It would be nice to think that we’ve moved on from this type ‘entertainment’ since these dark days. Finally is the ferryman’s seat, at the top of Bear Gardens. There was only London bridge across the Thames and its gates closed for the night, the only way to cross the river was by ferry and this seat is where the ferryman would wait for a paying customer. The stone seat is thought to date to the 12/13 century, but no one is sure of its age. Apparently if you wanted a ferry you would wander along the river bank shouting ‘Oars’, which sounds a very good way to get a punch!