A Victorian Story

 

A story by Megan G in Y7 - inspired by the novel The Peculiars, set in Victorian London.

 

It had been a long day at work in the tannery. The whiff of animal skin was stuck up my nose for the evening. I was walking home with a few extra shillings in my pocket, just enough to buy a morsel for my children. The foggy streets were swarming with pickpockets, beggars, and mudlarks and as I passed the stinking river, I could spell the fumes belching out of factories. The hustle and bustle of London’s streets had pushed me off the main road. 

 I found myself wandering through a desolate alley way full of destitute women and children all as pallid as dead fish. The aromas were even more grim down here. The polluted air made me choke. It was dark and cold, and I had no idea where I was. I could hear the noise of the city streets gradually becoming fainter as I moved further and further away. 

The alleyway seemed as though it was never going to end. And just as I was about to give up, I felt a hand grasp my ankle. I gazed down and caught sight of a poverty-stricken, grey-haired lady staring at me. 

“Are ya lost me dearie?” she muttered. “I can ‘elp ya find ya way.” 

“Can you tell me how to get to Baker Street?” I replied, trembling. I knew I shouldn’t have trusted her, but I had no choice…  

“Come wif me, me dear.”  

She left the filthy, rock-hard floor and began to limp further down the alley.

I followed.