London’s Street Markets.
From East London’s Petticoat Lane to the more
salubrious Portabella Road, London boasts a cacophony of fascinating markets. Many specialize; jewellery, fish, flowers, clothes
and a multitude of bric-a-brac. Gordon Bennett’s sidekick, Richie Gale was looking for a vegetable stall and the delectable
Rosie Russell, before he found Glass Street Market (based on Queen’s Road market in Upton Park. (Book 1 HOW THE RICH
LIVE)
Leytonstone High Road, London E.11.
Even before the war, Pops (bottles) Bennett owned a bottle washing plant situated
in Leytonstone High Road, at the Green Man end. After leaving a vicious, disgruntled father, young Gordon went to live with
Pops, his Uncle, before meeting up with Richie Gale. (Book 1)
Chelsea Football Club – Stamford Bridge.
A stones throw from Richie’s luxurious Chelsea pad off the King’s Road, although he would say metaphorically,
a million miles. Often the roar of the crowd insinuates through the huge floor-to-ceiling windows. Nearby is Ebury Street,
one half of which is owned by his fiancée Pamela’s odd-ball parents. Gordon Bennett uses this pad for nefarious
flirtations. (Book 1)
The North Circular Road.
This busy road circumnavigates much of east and north London, approaching the junction leading to it from Hendon, Gordon
Bennett panics when a police car is on his trail. Happily, he is able to take avoiding action giving him the chance for a
name change and a bolt-hole near the newly opened Brent Cross Shopping Centre. (Book 2)
The
Harleyford Marina at Marlow.
Probably one of the most prestigious marinas in Europe, at the heart of the huge estate stands Harleyford Manor, dating
back to the 1740’s. Today is boasts lavish properties among its nautical attributes. Here Gordon meets up with Lucky
Ellis, who offers him the chance to tread the straight and narrow. (Book 1)
Bridgetown,
Barbados.
This beautiful Caribbean Island gives Gordon Bennett the dubious opportunity to meet a scrapyard mogul
while holidaying with the incredible beautiful Ginger Hopkins. (Book 1)
Maidenhead
In the royal borough of Berkshire some 25 miles from London, Maidenhead is home to beautiful Thames-side properties. The
despicable Catesby’s have a mansion here where Gordon Bennett seeks a missing friend (and a quantity of Krugerrands).
Forever on his mind is the treatment he suffers at the hands of James and Cloris Catesby Filthy rich contenders. (Book 1)
Julia Tuttle Causeway.
An eight lane highway nearly five miles long across
Biscayne Bay leading to Miami Beach was formulated in 1961. Julia Tuttle, known as the Mother of Miami was instrumental in
persuading Henry Flagler to extend his railroad. She died in 1898, aged 50 with a form of encephalitis. Miami, as we know
it today, was built on land, largely donated by Mrs Tuttle. Porn villains, Gregoria Pulletin and Karovic Jackman use
the Causeway frequently as do Harold Gott and Jimbo, often passing like ships in the night.(Book 3)
Judge SS Jolley Bridge.
The bridge was constructed in 1969, linking Marco Island to route 951, some 20 miles
to the city of Naples. The other bridge leading to Marco is the Goodland Bridge but this only handles 10% of the traffic.
The Jolley Bridge is due for widening and may yet become a toll bridge. Gordon and Richie traverse the Judge Jolley Bridge
aiming to steal the luxurious waterside property owned by James and Cloris Catesby. (Book 2)
Marco Island.
On Florida’s gulf coast it is the largest of the 10,000 islands leading to Key West.
Its 17.5 square miles contain 8 square miles of water, manly man-made canals with waterside property built alongside. Boasting
a sub-tropical climate, Marco Islanders call it ‘their Paradise’ Good for posing in! (Book 2 and 3)
The Gulf of Mexico.
The ninth largest body of water in the world, the Gulf of Mexico
is 810 nautical miles in width. Tidal ranges are small due to narrow connection with the Atlantic Ocean. It was probably formed
300 million years ago. Here, Gordon Bennett hits a squall and loses an engine, just managing to chug into Everglades City.
(Book 2)
Naples Downtown.
Renowned for its shopping, cafes, accessibility
to the sea and superb architecture, Naples has probably more millionaires pro rata than any city in the U.S. Tin City is a
bizarre mixture of shops, pubs and restaurants. Dining in Olde downtown Naples is equal to anywhere in the world. Here, Gordon
dines with June Gibson . . . a meal that has disastrous results for them both. (Book 2)
Empuriabrava.
Was Ampuriabrava when it was formulated in the 1960’s, just a few miles from France
this marina village, hemmed in on both sides by bird sanctuaries, is thought to be the largest marina in the world with room
for over 5000 craft. Several miles of man-made canals give access to the Mediterranean and provide space for hundreds of villas
and apartments. The Catesby’s own luxury property here and a Princess 45 motor cruiser. More fodder for Gordon’s
charitable aims.(Book 2 and 3).
The Bay of Roses.
The jewel of Catalonia’s
coastline, rugged and very accessible for hundreds of boats to explore from Salvadore Dali’s village, Cadaques to Empurias,
where the Roman ruins are to be found today. The occasional Tramontana sweeping down from the Pyrenees prevents all boating
activities. Gordon tries to get the gorgeous Jessica to play ball here – but, you’ll never guess? (Book 2) Figueres.
Figueres is renowned as the birthplace of Salvadore Dali. As was Narcis Estarriol the inventor of the first submarine engine,
but he didn’t build a fantastic museum so it isn’t surprising we haven’t heard of him. Our hero is convinced
the Bank of Bilboa holds the pot of gold. Gerona. This beautiful Catalan city offers sightseeing for many of the 24 million
tourists visiting the Costa Brava every year. Museums are in abundance. The Museu D’art – the Museu D’Histporia
De La Ciutat – the Museu Cinema to name only three. None of the above attract Gordon . . . he is searching for
a bank with safe deposit boxes. (Book 2 and 3).