I wonder if a Mudcatter from Sidcup could help me with some local information.

In the late nineteenth century, a founder committee member of the English Folk-Song Society, W H Gill, lived in Hatherley Road. In one directory, his address is given as '1 Mono Cottage' and in another 'Mona Cottage'.

William Henry Gill was responsible for Boosey & Co's 'Manx National Songs' (1896) and 'Manx National Music' (1898), both relating to the Isle of Man, so 'Mona Cottage' wouldn't be a surprise ('Mona' is a poetic name for the Isle of Man). However, I understand that there is a 'Mono Lake' in the area, so perhaps 'Mono Cottage' arises from that. Gill was also responsible for J Curwen & Sons' 'Songs of the British Folk' in 1917.

Looking at Google Earth, it looks as though sections of Hatherley Road have been redeveloped in more recent years. However, does anyone know of the exact whereabouts of 'Mona Cottage' or 'Mono Cottage' in Hatherley Road, and does it still exist?


Bobby Bob,
Ellan Vannin.