THE
P RTAL
August 2017
Joanna Bogle takes a look at places in
London with a Newman connection
I
n Rome recently I heard some good news: it seems likely that
Newman’s
London
Page 4
John Henry Newman will be canonised soon – probably within
the next couple of years. For some while now, I’ve been exploring
Newman’s London: the places where he lived or worked. It began
with the discovery of his birthplace – round at the back of the Bank of
England. Nearest Tube is Bank, or it’s a pleasant walk across the river from
London Bridge.
na
wri tes
Then, following research and explorations with
colleague Jackie Brooks from the Croydon Ordinariate,
came the discovery of his home in Southampton Place.
A very large and ornate plaque announces the
connection, and we were impressed. After a bit of
hesitation, we knocked on the door – the place is
currently occupied by an American university, and
they were most welcoming, showed us around a bit
and seemed interested in the Newman story.
Grey Court House
at Ealing Abbey today is proud of the geographical
Next came a wonderful day trip up the Thames – connection and I am getting information from there
pleasure-boats depart regularly from Westminster – at a school that was very famous in its day but has
Pier throughout the summer –