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Discover The Protagonist Of London’s Dark History – The Blind Beggar Pub
London, the historic city that teems with tales often unheard, unnoticed – every alley, every landmark has a story. Many of these we narrate in our popular sightseeing taxi tours provided by London Sightseeing Taxi Tours. In this blog post, we will unravel the mystique of a very particular London location, the Blind Beggar Pub, notorious for hosting one of London’s most infamous crime scenes.
The Legend Behind The Name – The Blind Beggar
Established in 1894, The Blind Beggar makes for a fascinating backdrop, named after an intriguing legend of Henry de Montfort, son of the 6th Earl of Leicester. The pub’s background dates back to the Barons’ War in the mid-13th century. Henry de Montfort was an important figure who fought against King Henry III, but most historians concurred that he was fatally wounded in the Battle of Evesham in 1265.
Set to music, a popular Elizabethan ballad tells another story, one where de Montfort, d\\ubbed as the Blind Beggar of Bethnal Green, lived despite his severe wounds, albeit blinded. His life took a turn when he married a baron’s daughter, who nursed him back to health but lived a life of humble means due to their possession’s confiscation.
The Infamous Kray Twins and The Blind Beggar
However, what uplifted the modern history of the Blind Beggar from an old London pub to an infamous landmark was the Kray twins, notorious gangsters who ruled the East End during the 1950s and ’60s.
1966 marked a shocking spectacle as Ronnie Kray, one half of the dangerous duo, strode into the Blind Beggar, dictated by the force of revenge. His target was none other than rival gang member George Cornell, who being at the wrong place at the wrong time, was shot in the forehead by Ronnie Kray. This ruthless act famously led to Ronnie’s arrest and his subsequent diagnosis with schizophrenia, culminating in his detention at Broadmoor Hospital until his demise in 1995.
The Blind Beggar Today: A Fascinating Tale In The Heart Of London
Today, The Blind Beggar stands as a potent symbol of London’s lesser-known history, holding onto its tales drenched in lore and crime. As a part of London Sightseeing Taxi Tours, we offer our guests the thrilling opportunity to visit the Blind Beggar, a landmark where history and mystery forever intertwine.
Unravel stories of bloody gang wars, skull-crushing gangsters, noble beggars, and ancient battles. Our licensed black cab drivers offer more than just a ride; they offer a journey into the heart of London’s dramatic past.
Venture into the East End and learn the real story of London, one pub at a time. Start your journey with us on our London Sightseeing Taxi Group Tour.
Experience The Dark Side Of London
The Blind Beggar pub’s story continues to capture the imagination of locals and tourists alike, and with London Sightseeing Taxi Tours, you can delve right into the heart of these stories. Remember, our city isn’t just about the shining Thames, the stately Parliament, or the towering London Eye – there’s a darker, intriguing side waiting to be explored. So, palm your pint, relax in the comfort of our black cabs, and let our tour whisk you back to a London that was once a hub of notorious gangsters and blind beggars.”