The Springboks at Finsbury Park, 1931

Comment by Roy aka Smiffy on November 10, 2017 at 9:51

What a great photo Hugh.

It seems that caption may be incorrect.

Getty Images have a copy which is titled 'Sport, Rugby Union, Finsbury, England, 23rd December 1931, South Africa team members pose with the War Memorial gun at the HAC ground' - then goes on to mention team names. 

Perhaps the location is the Honourable Artillery Company, Finsbury Barracks, there is a large garden open area sports ground to the rear of the barracks.

The Getty Images page:

https://tinyurl.com/ya2czpgk

Comment by Roy aka Smiffy on November 10, 2017 at 9:57

Though most of the gun is hidden by the rugby team, this may be the location.

Caption.
"A Turkish gun captured by British Forces during the First World War now preserved at Finsbury Barracks in Islington home to the Honourable Artillery Company."

Seen here:
https://tinyurl.com/ybrdywe5

Comment by Hugh on November 10, 2017 at 10:24

Thanks. Roy. I did wonder if it was Finsbury Park at all but didnt think of checking on Finsbury itself!

Comment by John Cunningham on November 10, 2017 at 13:34

Google maps show several artillery pieces on similar hard standing with lamposts in the orientation shown in the photo. The building in the background has been developed. I think Roy got it right.

Comment by Hugh on November 10, 2017 at 14:08

Yes, it looks like it might have been taken at the of edge the New Artillery Grounds (part of the old Bunhill Fields). The building in the background looks like a church. The 1895 OS Map shows it used to stand to the north west of the grounds. On the site now stands 'Virgin Active Moorgate'.

Below is a picture of St Paul's Church on Bunhill Row. 

If the church were transparent, we'd be looking directly at the spot where the photo was taken.

I think the photo was taken at the spot marked on the Google 3D map view below. The building above on to the left of that spot is where the church used to stand. The lamp post apparently survives. 

(By the way Bunhill Row is where Milton wrote Paradise Lost.)

Comment by Roy aka Smiffy on November 13, 2017 at 9:55

Here is the gun -Turkish Artillery piece in situ at the HAC Finsbury Barracks.

Ref:

https://www.123rf.com/stock-photo/artillery_wwi.html?sti=namjwke1t3...|&mediapopup=53418978

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