Harry's Mad

CHAPTER 13: London Landmarks & Migrating Swallows

Madison tries to make his way back to the Holdsworths home, and takes us along on a tour of London. Check out some of the London landmarks mentioned in the chapter, as well as the red telephone booths, and learn more about migrating swallows.

"'The Holdsworths lived in Greenwich, quite close to the park. Madison knew, because Harry had told him, all about the park and observatory and the Queen's House and the bend in the Thames where the Cutty Sark lay, and he was nursing a wild hope that he might be able to see some part of all of this." (p. 101)

GreenwichDiscover breathtaking views, royal heritage and amazing attractions in Greenwich, all in a beautiful riverside setting just minutes from central London.

Learn more about the Royal Observatory

Visit The Queen's House website

Harry finds a telephone booth that he uses to make a collect call to Harry. Learn more about the iconic red telephone booths that are all throughout London - and how they are being repurposed for new century uses.

"Oh gosh, that's North London. Miles from here."

"Then I'll be like the swallows, " said Madison. "I'll fly south for the winter. I figure all we gotta do is fix a spot to meet." (p. 104)

swallowThe San Juan Capistrano Mission in California has become famous for the behavior of the swallows that nest there. According to legend, the swallows fly off on St. John’s Day…

Tree SwallowThe popularity of the bluebird has been a boon to the Tree Swallow, which nests in holes of exactly the same size, and has taken advantage of bluebird houses over much of North America. In regions with no such ready supply of artificial nest sites, the swallows must compete with other cavity-nesting birds, arriving early in spring to stake out territories. Unlike other swallows, Tree Swallows eat many berries (especially bayberries), allowing them to survive through wintry spells when other insect-eaters might starve.