Mark Fuller

Today, 36 Blythe Road is home to George's Cafe, a quintessential British greasy spoon. However, in 1900, this exact address served as the secret, international headquarters for the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn—a famous fin-de-siècle occult society whose members included WB Yeats, Bram Stoker, and Aleister Crowley. On April 19, 1900, the infamous "Battle of Blythe Road" took place here. Sent by the society's eccentric founder, Aleister Crowley arrived to seize control of the temple room. Crowley stormed the building wearing a kilt, a black Osiris mask, a tartan plaid wrap, and a large golden crucifix around his neck. He was brandishing a ceremonial dagger and casting curses as he climbed the stairs. Poet W.B. Yeats and other London members physically stood their ground at the top of the stairs, refusing Crowley entry. Instead of a magical duel, the dispute was ultimately settled when the landlords called the real-world London police to escort Crowley off the premises.