Norton Folgate - Fleur De Lis Street
I stumbled upon the term psychogeography quite by accident but it resonated and helped explain the random paths that I have been following when walking around London. The dérive, the path of least resistance, the aimless stroll, locomotion without a goal, all seem the most natural of things. How could a walk entail anything else?
The joy of following one's instinct and chancing upon all sorts of nooks and crannies is not to be underestimated. How can such a simple pleasure be so rewarding? What instinct is it that makes you turn to the right instead of the left? Behavioural scientists that study rats in a maze could no doubt explain this but I am at a loss. The subconscious plays a part but am I right in thinking that certain paths almost speak to you and sweep you along with their own momentum and history?
For me the area in and around Norton Folgate is one such area. The lure of these ancient pathways is quite compelling. Sadly, even though this ancient and historically significant area is classified as a 'conservation area' it is still under threat of demolition from British Land and Boris Johnson's intervention. Hopefully, there still is time to try and save this historic area on the edge of the City of London but blink and it will be lost forever!
More photos on my Flickr
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