Americans in Hamilton Terrace

The Brinton Coxe family was relocating from Abu Dhabi to London at the end of 1974. Therefore, essential to find somewhere to live near to ASL (American School in London).

I saw an advertisement in the International Herald Tribune for a rental on Hamilton Terrace, and our facilitator made an appointment that afternoon for a visit.

I was warmly greeted at the door by Sidney Proops — very welcoming and not put of by having three children living in his very nicely furnished house!

Subsequently, we made the transition, and whilst doing so,  I received several letters from Marjorie Proops offering advice on au pairs, local shops,  cleaners, window cleaners etc. Extremely helpful and very  thoughtful of her.

We settled into this wonderful neighbourhood very happily indeed.  Marjorie and “call me Proopsie” invited us to their home in Barnes on several occasions for Sunday lunch, and they came to us several times whilst our families were visiting. They were always full of tales of the time they were living in the house and Mark’s very active life as a writer and the well-known agony aunt, Dear Marje. They were both delightful raconteurs.  I have had many a fun time remembering them with Jane Leaver, who lived next door to them at no. 5.

There were many well known figures on Hamilton terrace, but probably our closest connection was with our across the road at number 8, Lee Remick and Kip Gowans.  We had received a note through  our letterbox from Kate Colleran, Lee’s daughter, offering to babysit. It was a great arrangement and, in turn, we took care of plant watering, mail collection etc. whilst they were away. Julie loved babysitting and enjoyed seeing the wonderful photographs etc. in their lovely house. 

At week-ends, much to the all the neighbours amusement, Lee & Kip spent Sunday morning happily  cleaning their cars parked on the road. 

Our stay was only for two years, not nearly long enough, but it was certainly memorable, and remains so to this day.