[posted] Posted(#53888, Taylor)

[David Price]

The Marylebone Penny Readings and their Critics, by Henry Taylor         53888
   [Link: http://www.gutenberg.org/5/3/8/8/53888 ]
   [Files: 53888-0.txt; 53888-h.htm]



For those wishing to know: Henry Taylor had founded "penny readings" for 
working class men in Marylebone, in the 1860's.  The aim was to provide 
an alternative to the pubs and a daughter branch was opened in Bayswater 
(very close by).  The latter failed leaving a debt of 25 pounds, of which 
Taylor paid 15 and claimed the creditors allowed him to pay the remaining 
10 later.  Unfortunately some of the upper-class backers heard of Taylor 
being in debt and disassociated themselves with the whole enterprise, and 
did so in the local newspapers.  This small pamphlet was published by 
Taylor to tell the story from his side.  I'm afraid the local newspapers 
were very nasty to him, although I've been unable to find any concrete 
details.

All the best,
David,
Damp and not so cold England