I recently happened upon The Sunday Telegraph’s former travel editor and columnist, Nigel Buxton’s blog. In one particularly sharp entry, Buxton recalls the 1959 memorandum he delivered to the newspaper’s Fleet Street offices, outlining his literary manifesto. The letter begins with a quote from Alexander Kinglake’s classic, Eothen, which I would like to share it with you here:
“For it (travel writing) is a literature not of facts, but of impressions. And yet these impressions may be facts of the highest order.”
With this statement in mind, I would like to talk a little about Camden Town. For all intent and purposes Camden Town is a vastly unattractive part of London; the high street is overcrowded; there’s an inordinate number of pick-pockets in operation, and most of what’s on sale in the markets is useless tat. While it is true that Brixton and Shoreditch have been overrun with hipsters (otherwise referred to as dickheads), at least some of these people can at times be somewhat interesting to watch in situ. Camden, however, is a mecca for punk/goth poseurs of the most misguided and self-involved variety. Because, you know, man, they don’t want to conform, or something…man.
If PVC bustiers and leather trench coats are your thing then Camden is the place for you, otherwise you wouldn’t miss much in avoiding the region altogether. I can’t even begin to fathom Camden’s popularity with tourists. Beyond the novelty of seeing punk rockers who still haven’t quite gotten over Thatcher, there isn’t very much to the place. Don’t get me wrong, it’s not all a downer, the view of the canal is quite striking and there are a few nice places to eat, but the canal view is better in Little Venice and you will find better food anywhere in the city. For any adult visiting London, Camden is little more than the town you have to pass through on the way to Hampstead.
Great quote in that window. Don’t want to miss that taxman!
Hey Richy, Rich, Richard, (don’t like to presume a favoured moniker) came across this post while doing a little Google search on my dad, Nigel Buxton, who died last week, for some funeral talk inspiration. Was lovely to see that his blog had been “randomly” read and his thoughts on travel writing had inspired other writers after all these years. I don’t think he ever made it to Camden in his 91 years of global travel but he would have shared your thoughts on it and then some! I also think he would have enjoyed your blog and I will keep reading. Ps: your mouse problem – may I recommend a cat? They are very loving, adorable, efficient, little killers ( and surprisingly empathetic in times of grief.)
Hi Clare,
That is very sad to hear, I very much enjoyed reading your dad’s blog and looked back through many of his old articles. He had a keen critical eye and a great turn of phrase. He certainly lived a interesting and eventful life and I extend my deepest sympathies to you and your family at this time.
To the mouse. He seems to have checked-out of his own accord. Herself has been pushing for us to get a cat since we moved in but the landlord doesn’t seem too keen on the idea.
Kind Regards,
Rich