Victoria Station Archives - The Pidgeon Coop

August 14, 2013

Thirza Pidgeon’s 1937 World Tour – 14 August: Travelled to Paris by ferry and train

Saturday, 14 August 1937

Left Victoria Station at 9.15 – got to Newhaven 11.15. Took the S.S. Paris across to Dieppe. Reached there at 2.15 – by the time we got away was 3. Longest train I have ever seen. Great crowd left behind for the 2d [second?] train. Reached Paris at 5.45- such crowds. By the time we got away on the buses was about 7. Got to my Hotel Baudin, had a light diner, then met Mrs Sandford, to try and get into the Jolies Berges, but could not, heavy rain fell so we went into the Jolies Rest. and had lemonade. Got back at 11 – and went to bed.

113 Avenue Ledru Rollin

75011 Paris, France

France

East Sussex BN9, UK

City of Westminster, London SW1V, UK

26 Bedford Place London Borough of Camden, WC1B, UK

June 7, 2013

Thirza Pidgeon’s 1937 World Tour – 7 June: Garden Party at Herstmonceux Castle

Monday, 7 June 1937

Mrs Everett’s birthday. Called at Australia House for mail, then had a cup of tea. Took coach for Victoria Station to Herstmonceux Castle, a lovely drive of 3 hours into the country Eastbourne way. Went with Mrs Carter. Met Fred, Mabel & Phil, all stayed together, had a great old laugh. Lovely grounds, swimming pool, flowers, band, in fact everything was lovely. Went through some of the castle. Got back to hotel at 9.30.

[Herstmonceux Castle was owned by Major Sir (Herbert) Paul Latham. A Conservative MP, he purchased the castle in 1932 and married Lady Patricia Doreen Moore in 1933. Despite being exempt from military service, he enlisted in the Second World War, however his military career ended in scandal and with him being dishonourably discharged.]

Hailsham, East Sussex BN27 1RN, UK

City of Westminster, London SW1V, UK

May 9, 2013

Thirza Pidgeon’s 1937 World Tour – 9 May: Day trip to Canterbury

Sunday, 9 May 1937

Raining slightly, met the crowd. Left Victoria Station at 10.30 for Canterbury. Had lunch on train. Went through the famous cathedral and then walked all over Canterbury in the rain. Cold, had afternoon tea. Got back to train at 5, home by 8.30 and started cleaning up all the papers I had accumulated on the trip.

Northern part of the old city wall near the Parrot pub which was constructed in 1370 (Feb 2013)

The Nave, inside Canterbury Cathedral (Feb 2013)

Trinity Chapel, looking towards The Quire, inside Canterbury Cathedral (Feb 2013)

Looking towards the cathedral from St Margaret's Street, Canterbury (Feb 2013)

Southern part of the old city wall, Canterbury (Feb 2013)

High Street, Canterbury, looking towards the West Gate (Feb 2013)

April 14, 2013

Thirza Pidgeon’s 1937 World Tour – 14 April: Went out to see Edith at Palmers Green

Wednesday, 14 April 1937

Still very dull, damp; went out to see Edith at Palmers Green. Had a spot then she took me out to lunch, back again, raining very heavy. Had tea, stayed on to supper. The husband & boy came home, more spots, friends came in the evening, more spots, left about 10.45. Takes over an hour to Victoria station. Had a very enjoyable day. She has a very nice home, and is very happy.