Author’s NoteA book called A People’s Conscience by Stratheam Gordon and T. G. B. c**k describes six typical enquiries during 1729-1837 by Select Committees of the House of Commons, from which I have taken the references in this novel. Little or nothing was done for the plight of child prostitutes and in Victorian times their condition was worse than ever.
Paradise Row, with its centuries-old history of famous residents, was demolished in 1906.
Vauxhall Gardens ceased to be an attraction in 1859. It was closed and the grounds that had seen so many spectacular entertainments and so many distinguished guests, was built on.
The references to the Fire Police and the Fire Brigades of the period are all accurate, as are the descriptions of the newspapers of that time.