Nex7 Milestone

‘In older times when Reykjavik was simply a farm, Austurvöllur (the East Field) was its best grassfield and much larger than it is today . It extended over much of what is now the old centre of Reykjavik: from Aðalstræti to Lækjargata and from Hafnarstræti to the Lake . When Reykjavík Cathedral was built in 1790-96 rock was quarried nearby and stored on Austurvöllur . By the early 1800s the field was in a poor state due to overuse and turf-cutting (for construction) . As a result the town magistrate banned unauthorised turf-cutting. In 1806 he stated that it had once been a fine, useful fields , but was nothing but a neglected peat-bog . At that time, dumping of ash and refuse on the field was prohibited but no other measures were taken . The field was marshy and uneven and unsuitable for building . As the village of Reykjavík grew, it gradually encroached on the field . In the 19th century it served as a campsite for countrymen visiting the town and also for early tourists .’
Source: bokmenntaborgin.is
Austurvöllur with JON SIGURDSON’s statue, Reykjavík, Iceland .

“In this world is was my work /on days both hot and cold/ to wipe kids’ bums and comb their hair/ and race to mend their clothes. /I yearned to leap and run free /like a lamb loosed from its fold”.
‘This house originally located by the Reykjavík City Lake, was the home of poet Theodóra Thoroddsen (1863-1954) .
She is one Iceland’s best known poets of the so called “thula” a genre of long poems or enumerations that have their origin in the oral tradition of Icelandic and Nordic Poetry . Theodóra renewed this tradition and thus had a part in the recreation of Icelandic poetry in the twentieth century . Many of her poems take themes from Icelandic folklore and Theodóra also wrote extensively the reality of women, herself being a mother of thirteen’ .
Source: Bokmenntaborgin.is
Reykjavík Bókmenntaborg UNESCO
Visit Reykjavik