Friday 17 January 2014

Sherlock at 24-25 Leinster Gardens, Bayswater

Sherlock at 24-25 Leinster Gardens, Bayswater


One of London’s unusual buildings has been revealed in the season finale of Sherlock.The genius detective shows Mary Watson a row of houses in Bayswater. Number 23 and 24 at Leinster Gardens could be any other 19th century west London terrace, but Holmes shows his assistant’s wife that the houses have manmade facade.
As the camera moves from the front of house and over the top of the roof, Holmes explains: “No doorknobs or letterbox and painted windows. 23 and 24 Leinster Gardens - the empty houses.In the programme an image of Mary’s face is projected on to the front as Holmes walks by with the character.
The false front was built in 1868, after the extension to the Metropolitan Line was cut through the middle of the street.  The frontage helped to cover the clouds of steam from the passing trains and also facade restored the continuation of the white terrace houses, so anybody walking past would not notice what the facade covers.

Next time you will be passing by, have a closer look!



One of London's 'false facades' at Leinster Gardens