London’s Alleys: Great Turnstile, WC2

This is the greater of three turnstile alleys in the Holborn area, although only greater in name not in stature.

The alleys are named after the time when Lincolns Inns fields to the south were used for cattle, and there was a need to stop them wandering off into Holborn. Hence, turnstiles were erected in Tudor times, and hundreds of years later after the cattle have gone to the great chop house in the sky, the name lingers on.

Great Turnstile later became famous as a passage for shops, and in 1750 first civil engineer, John Smeaton, was making philosophical instruments in a house on the alley. That set a trend for the area, and by the late 19th century the place was known for its scientific instruments and booksellers.

For much of the 20th century, the New Statesman magazine was published from offices at 10 Great Turnstile.

Sadly today much of the heritage of the alley has long passed away, lined as it is with rather unexciting modern office blocks.

At least a hint of the old turnstile is retained, in the form of railings designed to slow down speeding cyclists.