The Fur and Feather, or Far and Further, For and Forever, is a small english pub in a small narrow lane off a main street in Liverpool. The street is called Cheapside. Opposite the pub is the Main Bridewell. A matter of 3 strides across the lane from door to door. Easier to get in and out of the former than the latter. Behind the walls of the Main Bridewell are the cells that hold prisoners who are brought before the City's Magistrates.
The top Magistrate used to be called the Stipendiary Magistrate. Perhaps he/she still is in residence. His job was the only one that was paid. Hence 'stipend.' Pronounced sty-pend. All other magistrates are ordinary members of the public who are suited to the task of judging their fellow men. A voluntary and part-time task, which carries expenses only.
The Bridewell is a very old building. Some of it is newer, but a court and prison cells have stood on the site for donkey's years. ie: hundreds of years. A pub has been opposite the court since that was built. It was thirsty work sending men to the gallows or to the colonies. Anyone who worked in the building used to use that pub. It was were most of the real work was done between the police, solicitors, probation officers etc., who made a living from the crimes of others.
Work involved constant communication between all of the parties and what could not be written down could be whispered in attentive ears within the confines of the pub.
It was not dissimilar to a market town on market days, when cattlemen, shepherds, farmers, drovers, buyers and sellers would meet over a pint to do business in the old pubs. Or something like the Stock Exchange, where groups stand around shouting prices and doing deals with one another.
Rest assured Elizabeth, that if your pussycat ventured into such a place, she/he would be in the midst of some very interesting conversations and would find her/his knowledge of men/women and the world, much enlightened. Only the name of the pub has been changed to protect those who protect the innocent and the guilty.
YDF could visit the pub. It is a free country after all is said and done. But there are moves afoot to declare our independence from the US.
Time is an amazing thing. Yesterday's terrorists are today's freedom fighters. What would have been considered treason in 1944, is now called commerce. GB planted the English language all over the world, and its empire could turn through a day and the sun would not have set on at least some part of the empire. Roman Emperors declared that their empire would rule for a thousand years. Hitler declared a similar wish. In the long view, what simple desires men have, and how limited their vision.
Hydra awaits those who would cast off the shackles of modernity and dispensing with modern comforts (apart from a multi-million dollar aeroplane) for a short term in our short lives we can wallow in the afterglow of lc's presence...... pm's have been sent lizzie. I'll see you in the sentbox/outbox/inbox.
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