High Buildings, Low Morals ― Another Sideways Look at Twentieth Century London

"I don't know what London's coming to - the higher the buildings the lower the morals." —Noël Coward

Here are twenty-five more fascinating true-life tales featuring the greatest city in the world, from the author of Beautiful Idiots and Brilliant Lunatics: A Sideways Look at Twentieth Century London. These stories include the death of Billie Carleton and the Chinese cocaine dealer the Brilliant Chang. We find out the connection between the music hall star Marie Lloyd and the murderer Doctor Crippen. The meeting of Lord Boothby and Ronnie Kray at Number 1 Eaton Square. Berwick Street in Soho and the beautiful rivals in love Jessie Matthews and Evelyn Laye. The London-wide School Strike led by Steve ‘Ginger’ Finch in 1973. The brutal murder of Ali Fahmy at the Savoy Hotel in 1923 and how his French wife got away with it. The early life in London of the Hollywood actress, director and producer Ida Lupino. Maud Allen, the dance of Salome and the Cult of the Clitoris. The murder of fashion designer Ossie Clarke - the King of the King’s Road. The fascinating story of the Gateways Club - the lesbian nightclub in Chelsea. Ross McWhirter and the IRA Balcombe Street Gang. The nymphomaniac Duchess of Argyll and the headless man polaroids. The Ring on the Blackfriars Road and the death of the singer Al Bowlly. The entertainer Dickie Henderson and the life and tragic suicide of his American wife the contortionist Dixie. Number 43 Gerrard Street and the nightclub queen Kate Meyrick. George Melly and his all-night raves in Soho. Michael Collins and the murder of Field Marshall Sir Henry Wilson. The Second World War Gas decontamination Centre at the Marshall Baths in Soho and Belita - the Ice Queen.

Rob Baker is a former TV producer and the writer of Another Nickel in the Machine, a popular blog revealing the most fascinating stories about London in the twentieth century.