Albany, WI
Sir: May I respectfully point out (Letters, May 3) that those who are apt to prefix the definite article to the name of the elegant sets of chambers off Piccadilly known as Albany have some historical justification for doing so. In the first act of The importance, produced by George Alexander at the St James's Theatre in February 1895, when Algernon is reading the inscription on a private cigarette case he adds, "It is on your cards, Mr Ernest Worthing, 84, The Albany," and later John Worthing says, have always pretended to have a younger brother of the name of Ernest, who lives in the Albany."
I believe further in the play there are at least two more references in similar terms. This shows that it was the common usage at the time, and surely what was good enough for Wilde is good enough for us. Martin Secker Bridgefoot, Iver, Bucks.
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