London History

London Music Hall Uncovers Long-Forgotten Storeroom Filled with Condiments

During the excavation of the London Astoria, construction workers stumbled upon a hidden treasure—a long-forgotten storeroom packed with condiments dating back to the 18th century. This discovery sheds new light on the history of the food industry and London’s early manufacturing.

Crosse & Blackwell: Revolutionizing Food Production

The building that housed the London Astoria was originally a warehouse for Crosse & Blackwell, one of the United Kingdom’s first food production companies. In the 18th century, Crosse & Blackwell played a pivotal role in revolutionizing the food industry by industrializing the production of jam and other condiments, making them more accessible and affordable for city dwellers.

Marketing Innovation and Celebrity Endorsements

Crosse & Blackwell was not only a pioneer in food production but also in marketing innovation. They were among the first companies to secure endorsements from celebrity chefs, including Napoleon’s personal cook, to promote their products. This strategy helped establish Crosse & Blackwell as a trusted brand and paved the way for the modern food industry’s reliance on celebrity endorsements.

Archaeological Findings Shed Light on London’s Early Manufacturing

The discovery of the storeroom during the excavation of a future subway station has provided archaeologists with a wealth of artifacts that offer valuable insights into London’s early manufacturing industry. Among the findings were jars filled with pickles and mushroom ketchup, an early version of today’s tomato-based sauce.

Refrigeration System and Packaging Innovations

The storeroom also revealed an innovative refrigeration system, kilns, and furnaces, providing evidence of Crosse & Blackwell’s commitment to food preservation and quality control. Additionally, the discovery of thousands of unused ceramic and stoneware jars suggests that the company gradually transitioned to glass jars and bottles for packaging their products.

The Significance of the London Astoria

The London Astoria, before its demolition eight years ago, was a renowned music hall, LGBTQ+ stronghold, concert hall, ballroom, and movie theater. Its diverse history reflects the vibrant cultural landscape of London throughout the centuries. The discovery of the condiment storeroom adds another layer to the building’s rich legacy, connecting it to the city’s industrial and culinary heritage.

Preserving Crosse & Blackwell’s Legacy

The findings from the London Astoria excavation serve as a reminder of Crosse & Blackwell’s significant contributions to the modern food industry. Their innovations in production, marketing, and packaging helped shape the way we consume food today. The discovery of the condiment storeroom ensures that Crosse & Blackwell’s legacy will not be forgotten.

The Great Fire of London: Death Toll Discrepancy

Historical Context

In 1666, London experienced a devastating fire that ravaged the city for four days, destroying nearly 90% of its homes. The traditional death toll reported for this catastrophic event is surprisingly low: just six verified deaths. However, this figure has been challenged by historians and researchers who argue that the true number of casualties was likely much higher.

Discrepancy in Death Toll

The discrepancy between the official death toll and the estimated number of casualties stems from several factors. Firstly, the fire’s intense heat and flames consumed many bodies, leaving little evidence behind. Secondly, the victims were predominantly from the poorer and middle classes, whose deaths were often not officially recorded. Forensic technology was rudimentary in 1666, making it difficult to identify and count the remains of those who perished.

The Monument

To commemorate the Great Fire of London, a monument was erected in the city. Ironically, this monument has become a site of additional deaths. Six people have committed suicide by jumping off the structure, and two have fallen accidentally to their deaths. This grim statistic has led to the popular claim that more people have died from falling off the monument than died in the fire itself.

Neil Hanson’s Research

Neil Hanson, author of the book “The Great Fire of London: In That Apocalyptic Year, 1666,” conducted extensive research on the fire and its impact. He estimated that “several hundred and quite possibly several thousand” people likely perished in the blaze. Hanson’s research is based on the fact that the fire destroyed such a large proportion of the city, making it highly improbable that only six people lost their lives.

Unrecorded Deaths

The underreporting of deaths in the Great Fire of London can be attributed to the chaotic and overwhelming conditions at the time. With the city engulfed in flames, officials had difficulty accessing and identifying victims. Furthermore, the social hierarchy of the era meant that the deaths of the poor and middle class were often overlooked and undocumented.

Challenging the Traditional Narrative

The traditional death toll of the Great Fire of London has been challenged by historians and researchers who argue that it is a significant underestimate. The discrepancy between the official figure and the estimated number of casualties highlights the challenges of accurately assessing the human toll of historical events, particularly when records are incomplete or biased.

Conclusion

While the exact number of deaths in the Great Fire of London remains uncertain, it is clear that the traditional death toll of six is insufficient. The evidence suggests that hundreds or even thousands of people likely perished in the blaze, a tragic loss that has been obscured by historical biases and limitations.

Unearthing London’s Culinary Past: Condiment Trove Found at Former Music Hall