THE “GREAT RENAMING”: LOCATING HISTORY OF SCIENCE IN LONDON

BY MICHAEL JEWESS

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This work was published in the magazine of the British Society for the History of Science, Viewpoint, October 2021, 125, 6-8. The text published in hard copy was corrupt, and the full text linked above is corrected.

Abstract

Between the Metropolitan Management Act 1855 and 1939 there was a "great renaming" of thousands of London streets so as to avoid duplication that had been inconvenient for postal deliveries; for instance, 60 "George Streets" were renamed. Sometimes, a distinctive street name was extended to adjacent blocks, so the numbering even in the original stretch of street had to be changed. This is illustrated with respect to Michael Faraday's place of apprenticeship (renumbered) and the famous "Broad Street Pump" of Dr Snow (location now in "Broadwick Street").

Researchers are advised on the resources available to overcome the problems creating by the great renaming.

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