Members of the Cambridge Society of London went on an enjoyable wander down the King’s Road, led by Blue Badge Tourist Guide Caroline Piper, to explore this posh, swinging neighbourhood. From a private road laid out by Charles II and lined with market gardens, dairies and other pleasant activities designed not to offend the king’s eyes and nose, the King’s Road has transformed into the fashionable heart of a bustling village. It is hard to walk more that 100 feet without coming across yet another blue plaque commemorating some of the hugely varied people who have called the neighbourhood home. A favourite had to be tracking down the home of George Smiley, John Le Carre’s great fictional spy. On a photogenic street of ice cream parlour coloured houses, sits Smiley’s unassuming house, as featured in his novels such as Call for the Dead, The Spy Who Came In From The Cold and Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy. Of course, this led to discussions of the similarities between Smiley’s nemesis, the mole Bill Haydon, and the real life spy Kim Philby – part of the Cambridge Five spy ring – arguably Cambridge University’s most infamous scandal!
Organised by Caroline Piper