Wednesday, 13 November 2013

R is for Rat Pit



A plaque on the wall of the Rat Pit, unveiled in 2007, commemorates William Watson who was born in a house that previously stood on the site. He was a stoker on the ill-fated Titanic and was buried at sea on the 24th April 1912, aged 27 years.

More of his story can be seen on the Bents Lane Social Club website.


Bents Lane Social Club was named after the former wooden building built on stilts, which it replaced. It had been known locally as "The Rat Pit", and now boasts that name on its frontage.

The building is the local polling station for elections. Can the locals be the only ones in the United Kingdom to vote at an officially designated rat pit?

A contribution to ABC Wednesday and A contribution to signs, signs.
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16 comments:

  1. Roger Owen Green13 November 2013 at 01:52

    Rat pit sounds...uninviting. Interesting tale, though.

    ROG, ABCW

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  2. betty-NZ13 November 2013 at 04:06

    I love it! Places with names that need explanation are so much fun!

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  3. photowannabe13 November 2013 at 04:38

    Hmmm....to vote at the Rat Pit sounds a bit scary and perhaps a comment on the people voted for...sorry, no offense,

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  4. William Kendall13 November 2013 at 04:41

    A rat pit seems almost more fitting for the politicians than the voters....

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  5. Unknown13 November 2013 at 08:38

    The Rat Pit, oh if only those walls could speak. Sounds like there is some history there.

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  6. Powell River Books13 November 2013 at 19:32

    Funny how old names (sometimes graphic, but not the best) stick for ages. - Margy

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  7. Sallie (FullTime-Life)13 November 2013 at 23:45

    Why was it called the rat pit?

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  8. Photo Cache14 November 2013 at 00:53

    a very nice memorial plaque.

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  9. Leslie:14 November 2013 at 02:08

    Hmmm....don't think I'd like entering a rat pit! lol

    Leslie
    abcw team

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  10. RedPat14 November 2013 at 02:25

    That is so funny that they actually put Rat pit up as a sign! ;-)

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  11. Tanya Breese14 November 2013 at 14:12

    sad story...what is up with the name rat pit though? now a very good choice lol

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  12. Susan Demeter14 November 2013 at 15:24

    A sad but interesting story ........

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  13. Taken For Granted14 November 2013 at 18:37

    Sad story of William Watson, but fine sign. Given some of our elections the polling place should be named "The Rat Pit."

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  14. Anonymous15 November 2013 at 02:20

    a funny sign but interesting story.

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  15. genie15 November 2013 at 02:25

    Rat Pit is an unusual name... one you will not fogey too easily. Enjoyed racing the history of the place.

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  16. Lesley15 November 2013 at 03:34

    That is interesting that Mr Watson was commemorated with a sign.
    I love that the "Rat Pit" name lives on!

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