Culture And Memory

Strange Doings in London - The Songs and Ballads of St Giles

In a part of London with huge amounts of visitors, this project brings local communities together to unearth the dramatic history of the streets we walk every day - streets which have seen leprosy, plague, beheadings, social deprivation, slums, and the first social housing. The project explores the 'Strange Doings' of 1,000 years of history in St-Giles-in-the-Fields parish from Drury Lane to Tottenham Court Rd. It uses ballads and a new history book, as main research sources, and community participants will present, record and share new versions of found songs and stories. Other research sources will include news-sheets, literature, and illustrations. We will involve diverse residents locally and also research and record their own global traditions of sharing news through song. Volunteer participants will be offered new skills, guided by professionals, to co-curate a programme of activities including workshops, talks, walks, events, exhibitions, and interpretation panels in public areas.