Download or read book London Lore written by Steve Roud and published by Random House. This book was released on 2012-03-31 with total page 466 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: In which part of North London were wild beasts once thought to roam the sewers? Why did 1920s working-class Londoners wear necklaces of blue beads? Who was the original inspiration for the 'pearly king' costume? And did Spring-heeled Jack, scourge of Victorian London, ever really exist? Exploring everything from local superstitions and ghost stories to annual customs, this is an enchanting guide to the ancient legends and deep-rooted beliefs that can be found the length and breadth of the city.