Bridget Cole

Bow Belle

My interest in this charming locality (said the man behind the glass of whisky) is that of a visitor agog to probe into its historical associations and to find out whether such associations have any influence on certain of its inhabitants today.

Well, seeing you been and bought me a pint (said the geezer behind the glass of bitter), I ain't going to be abductive.

I think you mean obstructive. Naturally, any co-operation you can give me I shall be excessively grateful for. Perhaps, for instance, you could tell me when the bells ring out?

Eh?

The bells of Bow. It is my desire to listen to them and define the limits of the sound. In that way I shall discover the exact area relevant to my further investigations on Cockneys.

Eh?

The bells of Bow. I want

This ain't Bow, me lord, this is the Elephant and Castle. Still, seeing you done me a favour with this pint, I'II do you one. Here's a picture of a corking bow belle. Only she wears hers in her hair. Name's BRIDGET COLE. Lives at Crawley in Sussex. Rides a lovely gee-gee. What's your name, guv?

Cedric. What's yours?

Mine's a pint. Same again, your highness.

Beautiful Britons No 153 - August 1968