It most certainly is, and the Barley Mow pub that she remembers. I lingered around the prison walls in my lunch break and even managed a few shots that had both the Barley Mow and the prison in together, but they don't appeal that much, except in their juxtaposition and where that takes my thoughts. The Barley Mow is purported to be one of the oldest gay/LGBT bars in the country and stands directly opposite the prison gates. Homosexuality was legalised in 1967 in the UK so my guess is that the prison stood over the pub with its imposing tall brick curvy walls at a time when the occupants were at risk of ending up inside. Thank goodness the clientelle no longer face that daunting prospect.
So here is my view of the outside, looking in. Taken from Tavistock street at the other end of the prison walls.
I used to work with Travor one of the bar staff at the Barley Mow and he was definitely gay but a really nice chap. I wonder where he is now! I pass the prison when I go to the dentist - nice shot
Very imposing. It always used to make me shiver when we drove past the prison. Must have been locked up in a previous life. ha ha.
A chap who I used to work with was a regular visitor to the Barley Mow and he was gay which is why I wondered if it was still there. Never been in there myself but used to pass it occasionally when we went to Bedford.
You are bringing back memories of the two tours we spent in the area during our RAF days.
Wonderful angles and pov and textures, Helen. This is interesting - despite the grim history - what these poor people had to go through, what a shame...
August 26th, 2016
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A chap who I used to work with was a regular visitor to the Barley Mow and he was gay which is why I wondered if it was still there. Never been in there myself but used to pass it occasionally when we went to Bedford.
You are bringing back memories of the two tours we spent in the area during our RAF days.