Adam writes… Are we 'avin' a larf?
Yes and no. Great street name (in South East London) named for a landscaping feature that dates back to the 17th century.
The Oxford English Dictionary offers the following…
ha-ha
Noun:
A boundary to a garden, pleasure-ground, or park, of such a kind as not to interrupt the view from within, and not to be seen till closely approached; consisting of a trench, the inner side of which is perpendicular and faced with stone, the outer sloping and turfed; a sunk fence.'
Origin: Early 18th century: from French, said to be from the cry of surprise on suddenly encountering such an obstacle.
The ha-ha in question forms the boundary of nearby Royal Artillery Barracks A London Walk costs £10 – £8 concession. To join a London Walk, simply meet your guide at the designated tube station at the appointed time. Details of all London Walks can be found at www.walks.com.
