Streets of Sin: A Dark Biography of Notting Hill

by Fiona Rule, Jerry White

A short walk away from London's West End lies Notting Hill—one of the capital's most exclusive residential districts and a celebrity hotspot. But this outwardly genteel enclave has its shocking secrets. Streets of Sin delves into Notting Hill's distinctly murky past, and relates the deplorable scandals that blighted the area from its development until the late 20th century. Bestselling London historian Fiona Rule sheds new light on notorious events that took place amid the leafy streets, including the horrifying murders at Rillington Place, the nefarious career of slum landlord Peter Rachman, the Profumo affair, and Britain's first race riots, and reveals what life was life in Notting Hill during its dark years when murder, extortion, and disorder were everyday occurrences.

Genres: Nonfiction, London, History, True Crime

233 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 15, 2015

Reviews

[Asha Stark · Rating 2 out of 5]

I keep picking up Rule's books because they sound interesting, only to be reminded how dismissive she is of both women's struggles, and those marginalised by society at large. True, a large portion of this book was dedicated to the racism in London and Notting Hill, but it very much felt that it was only because she had to address it. In some places, there was a 'both sides' vibe that itched.

[Vanessa Carter · Rating 5 out of 5]

A page turning trip through time which has so much detail its fascinating. Fiona has a great writing style which encourages you to read just one more chapter!

[Elaine McColl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fascinating history of Notting Hill from 1800s onwards

[Lorna Holland · Rating 4 out of 5]

Full review now up on my blog: http://www.thewritinggreyhound.co.uk/...

From dabbles in non-fiction history books before, I've found that a lot of them can be very dry and analytical. That's great for a reference book, but if you'd wanted to be reading something more like a historical narrative it can quickly put you off a book. However, I had no problems like that with Streets of Sin. Fiona Rule is a highly engaging writer, and it's clear she's very knowledgeable and passionate about the subjects she writes about. The book reads like a series of mini-stories, all interconnected by the common theme of Notting Hill. From the early days of Notting Hill Farm and James Weller Ladbroke's grand ideas, right through to the slums and later, the race riots and eventual upgrading of the area, Streets of Sin is packed with fascinating tales from Notting Hill's rich, vibrant history.

[David · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fiona Rule has gone further than taking a single street as she did in her previous work Worst Street in London and this time delved into the murky past of a whole neighbourhood. Notting Hill might have the veneer of an affluent area but beneath lies some very unsavoury characters. Crippen, Keeler, Rachman they are all here. Throughly recommended.

[Amy · Rating 2 out of 5]

I liked this! Quite repetitive though.