How to Celebrate Halloween in London, Part 2

Before the time flies faster than a fleeing broomstick, I wonder: have you ever wanted to tread Unhallowed Ground...? Then I must share with you London's best kept Halloween secret...a midnight gathering of souls at Cross Bones Graveyard...the boneyard for the deceased prostitutes who, since medieval times, worked the Bankside stews beyond the gates of the ancient City of London... Along with actors, musicians, pickpockets, artists and bear baiters, trade for Ladies of the Evening was smiled upon by the good Bishop of Winchester who presided over the Liberty of the Clink. He frowned only if, at their last breath, one of his "geese" failed to repent her sinful ways. Their souls were then forfeit -- banned from eternity's rest in the holy grounds of the Cathedral of Saint Mary Overy. Rather, they were interred in the unconsecrated rubbish heap called Cross Bones Graveyard...
The master storyteller, poet, playwrite, and shaman, John (Constable) Crow, was latterly possessed by the spirit of "The Goose", a prostitute who a toiled along the bank of the Thames 300 years ago. She inspired him to create a work of great richness, beauty, and poetry called "The Southwark Mysteries". It was performed to great acclaim in Shakespeare's Globe Theatre in 1998. Oh, to have been there to celebrate the hard lives and lively spirits of those who lived beyond the pale...

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• tube map
• London A-Z
• candle
• offering of ribbons, art, talismans,etc, for the spirits of the dead
• address: Cross Bone Graveyard, Redcross Way London SE1

1. 
   Cross Bones Graveyard gate

   Take the London Underground to Borough Station. Seek Redcross Way. It wanders parallel to Borough High Street. Follow along until you reach the place where Redcross crosses Union. There you will find a gate covered with ribbons and artwork, gifts, poems and prayers for the souls of the "Winchester Geese".

2. 
   Saint Mary Overy

   A very big landmark that tells you you are near the Cross Bones, is the Cathedral of Saint Mary Overy, now called Southwark Cathedral. In the shadow of this House of God lay the Liberty of the Clink, a nasty , evil place well into the reign of Queen Victoria. On your way to the Graveyard you may pass close by the Clink Prison, whose sign is a cage small enough to hold a crouching man. It hangs by a stout chain from the eaves by the prison wall. The Clink was the second home for pickpockets, prostitutes, actors, musicians, and other ne'er-do-wells, in medieval times and not so long ago...

3. 
   John Crow is on the right

   Listen for singing, and look for firelight. A crowd will be gathered in front of a tall be-ribboned gate. They will be holding candles, and may be dressed in deep mourning. You will know John Crow by his grace and energy, his guitar playing and the wonderful poetry he sings.

4. 
   The Southwark Mysteries

   If you hear anything about a performance of the "Southwark Mysteries" get yourself over there at once! This the finest Mystery Play since the Old Days of Gloriana! I fly over every Halloween to make sure I don't miss it. I'm hoovering my magic carpet as we speak. (At my age the carpet is only way to go!)

5. 
   Cross Bones shrine

   Remember, Halloween is called All Souls Night because it a time to remember those who have passed beyond. So say a kind word for the Geese, and the pickpockets, artists, actors, musicians, prostitutes, gamblers and snake oil salesmen of Old London Town. According to John Crow, his association with "The Goose" has brought not only fabulous creative inspiration, but healing. A community has evolved around the Southwark Mysteries and the Cross Bones to honor those anciently excluded from the norms of life. Their spirits still remain to remind us that the world may have changed, but some situations have been around forever.

Tips & Warnings

• Your night at the graveyard will not be complete unless you tie a prayer offering to the gate. This not only honors the dead, but shows the City that people still care about the Cross Bones and helps John Crow in his efforts to preserve it. I highly recommend reading John Crow's story in his own words on www.crossbones.org.uk
• There will be a lot of faeries, magicians and witches there, flocking from all over the world. They want to be free to practice their religions, so do not attend unless you are in agreement with them or have a open mind. I offer this information for those who will truly be inspired by the events taking place in one of London's special places.

Resources

• http://www.crossbones.org.uk
• http://www.derelictlondon.com
• http://SELFS.co.uk

[iamageniuster]

on 10/25/2008 Very nice article. 5 stars. Thanks for the great tips.