Stuff You Should Know Short Stuff: The Berners Street Hoax
Aug 10, 2022
Discover the whimsical world of the Berners Street hoax, an infamous prank from 1810 orchestrated by Theodore Hook. Uncover how a simple wager turned into a chaotic scene filled with chimney sweeps and an array of unsuspecting visitors. The far-reaching effects of this elaborate scheme even fooled notable figures like the Lord Mayor. Join in on the laughter as the story showcases the playful nature of practical jokes and their enduring legacy in British culture.
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The Wager
- Theodore Hook, a known prankster, bet his friend he could make a random house the most talked about in London.
- This wager set the stage for an elaborate hoax in 1810.
The First Act
- The hoax began with a trickle of chimney sweeps arriving at 54 Berner Street.
- Servants initially dismissed it as a common prank.
Chaos on Berner Street
- On November 10th, countless tradespeople, deliveries, and even dignitaries descended upon 54 Berner Street.
- The street became impassable, forcing police intervention.