"Road Lane Street" drabbles by Neville Hunt

Street

Road Lane Street #3

Most villages in England have a single street that’s the main focus. In the USA, it’s called Main Street. In Devon and Cornwall in England’s Southwest it would be called Fore Street.

Most though are called ‘High Street’. Around 3,000 English High Streets date from the 12th century when these streets had high status.

The High Street where I live nestles in the valley. It couldn’t be lower. The really high street is at the top of the long hill. But an unfriendly lot live up there. Never heard them say high! But someone said they’re permanently high up there!

Lane

Road Lane Street #2

The ancient village to the east, is Codicote. It holds dark secrets.

In days of yore, the inhabitants were apparently a thuggish bunch. Travellers were advised to avoid passing through the village at all costs. Ignoring this advice might result in ugly confrontation, a head-bashing or a one-sided fight to the death. For the Codicotians loathed visitors and loved a fight.

Smart travellers trod a kind of mediaeval by-pass to the south... there to this day, Coward’s Lane... but maybe it’s more ‘Smartcookies Lane’. Better keep that quiet though or you might risk running for your life!

Road

Road Lane Street #1

It’s a lovely road joining our village to the larger one to the east. It’s a joy travelling on it as it follows the chalk river of our valley through gently rolling hills, woods then up and down and up again until reaching the next ancient village.

It’s narrow, it’s pretty, past cattle, arable, woodland, with delightful ancient hedgerows alive with seasonal colours.

It can be dangerous now though as Lycraed bottoms, side by side, in their droves, race along, demanding consideration whilst giving none.

But Red Kite circle above, waiting for them to tumble. Maybe packed lunches for all.