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The Kip (1860–1922)

THE KIP BOARDING HOUSE — Sponsored by Shaftesbury PLC

Location: Nos.5-11 Shorts Gardens, formerly No.20 Queen Street

Dates: 1860–1922


The long-lasting lodging house called Tom Farmer's was better known as 'The Kip'. Here, until the end of the 19th century, residents slept 'on the rope' (sitting down leaning on a rope which was untied at dawn). Troublesome customers were thrown out and tied to a barrow to await a policeman to wheel them to nearby Bow Street police station. It remained a lodging house until the 1920s.

Sources:census records; The Times 

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