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31/07/2007

The NORTH

So read road signs across London and the south, for those who can't avoid going up past Watford, for some reason.

I've always wondered why the good people at the Highway Authority felt that the directions for the north need to be in bold. I've never seen signs saying "The SOUTH" (you must tell me if there are) - but place names, road names, motorway names and directions to other places - such as central london, which is given simply as "the City" - are all lower case letters. So why is it "The NORTH?"

I always felt it was a bit ominous to call it "the north," like it's shrouded in mystery, a place where the normal southerner wouldn't venture unless they absolutely have to. Of course, the explanation may be far more simple than that - northerners have a hard time reading, so they need to enlarge the print for them.

That, at least, is the explanation as per DJ. Feel free to introduce your own thoughts on the matter...! 

19:03 Posted in Blog | Permalink | Comments (4) | Email this

Comments

Of course, as a given, I feel I must comment in order to correct you on matters of a geographical nature. There are indeed signs which say The NORTH, in addition to this, there are also signs that say The SOUTH, or The SOUTH-WEST. Depending where you are geographically in the country.

My personal opinion on the reason for the capitalisation of the word NORTH and SOUTH in those contexts, is to make all of those "slightly unaware" (i.e. dumb) drivers that they are not just merely heading north within their local area, but if they continue on that road... they will actually end up in the NORTH. With all of those crazy Northerners. Or Southerners if you happen to be going in that direction.

You yourself, Deej, are a perfect example of a "slightly unaware" driver - and I know that you know what I am getting at with that comment ;-)

Posted by: Helen | 31/07/2007

No, it's because the farther north you go, the closer you get to Wales and Scotland. And we all know what happens to people who dare venture across those borders...

You might as well be warned with big, giant signs that you're about to lose all sanity, dignity and other such things.

Am I correct, DJ?

Posted by: arty | 31/07/2007

No! The people in Wales and Scotland are completely sane! I also don't think anyone could be stupid enough to go to the North without realizing it.

It is called the NORTH because it is a great unexplored territory where dragons lurk...

Posted by: Nossie | 01/08/2007

You are all wrong. The reason is this: Roads were invented by the Romans. Who colonized the South of England. The dirty Vikings took over the North. The Celts remained in Wales and Cornwall. No one cared about Anglia.

The NORTH signs are code for us Southerners that we will soon leave the safety of the post-Roman Empire, and dare to enter heathen lands. A surefire sign will be the transition of roads from smooth concrete and clear painted markings, to stones and brick cobbled monstrositys, designed to burst tyres and leave fair travellers open to pillaging by NORTHERNERS.

Thats what i was taught at school, anyhow

Posted by: Ant | 01/08/2007

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