The Strand: Adelphi Terrace

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VINTAGE CABINET PLATE CRIES OF LONDON YELLOW PRIMROSES
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Sir Walter Besant, in The Fascination of London, published in 1903, continues his survey of the Strand with this look at Adelphi Terrace:

Robert Adam had been much struck in his foreign travels with the palace of Diocletian on the Bay of Spalatro.

The terrace facing the sea had impressed his imagination, and the Adelphi Terrace is the result of his adaptation of the idea.

It was necessary to gain a solid foundation on the slippery river-bank, therefore the brothers designed the wonderful system of arches on which all the Adelphi precinct rests.

On building their terrace they had to encroach on the river, and form an embankment, which was much resented by the Londoners.

The centre house in the terrace was taken by Garrick, who remained there until his death, about seven years later. The arches were at first left open, but formed a refuge for the vicious and destitute, who made a regular city of the underground passages.

They were subsequently filled in, and now (1903) are brewers' vaults, with only the high-vaulted roadway left open to form a passage for the drays and vans.

Beneath the terrace is a curious little strip of land cut off from the Embankment garden by high wooden pales. This is practically useless, as it can only be reached through the arches. On it is an old dilapidated shed, once a much-frequented tavern, called the Fox under the Hill, a curious feature on land which is of so much value.

Next: The Strand: Adelphi Terrace: Coutt's Bank