Local History

Blue Plaques of Blackheath

Blue Plaques of Blackheath

Blackheath is not quite as famous as its near neighbour, Greenwich, despite today sharing a similar atmosphere and community. Curiously however, Blackheath has more blue plaques than the part of London that time itself is named after. Here's an assemblage of some the many great people that have lived in Blackheath.

London History Day

London History Day

On Wednesday 31st May 2017 the first ever London History Day is set to he held. The date marks the anniversary of the day in 1859 when Big Ben began keeping time for the residents of London. The aim of the day is to highlight our great city’s wonderful history and is part of Historic England’s wider ‘Keep it London’ campaign, which aims to make Londoners discuss and celebrate the heritage of the capital. All across London, more than 40 galleries, museums and institution will be showing rare London-related objects, or staging special events and conducting tours to mark the occasion. A number of these special events will be happening south of the river in the more pleasant half of London. To save you time, we at South London Club have compiled a list of the events happening in South London

A Brief History of The Venue in New Cross

A Brief History of The Venue in New Cross

Chances are if you are from South East London, or just happen to be a young person living in South East London, you have either been invited to, or have actually set foot in the hallowed nightclub. Though referred to universally as just ‘Venue’, the nightclub is, in more scientific circles, known as The Venue, and even more colloquially as a shouted 'Venners', or the more global 'Vennerzuela'. Here's a brief account of The Venue's intriguing history, including some surprising facts that will make you think twice next time you pass by this historic venue.

Blue Plaques of Brixton, Stockwell & Kennington

Blue Plaques of Brixton, Stockwell & Kennington

Blue plaques are a neat little indicator of history. They lend meaning to places that would otherwise just be buildings or houses on a street – they notify those passing that someone or something significant happened here. By proxy, the mere act of walking past said building becomes significant. Now, it would be petty to suggest that those at English Heritage who decide who gets a blue plaque are biased - it would be extremely petty indeed. Let’s just get that very, very clear. Petty. That said, the number of blue plaques across the Thames in North London (670) compared to beautiful, sunny South London (130) is shocking. At South London Club we've decided to compile the blue plaques across the beautiful region we call home. A curious combination maybe but Brixton and Stockwell have only three each (we know!), so we deemed it prudent to club the areas together in a list of the blue plaques of Brixton, Stockwell & Kennington.

Rivers of South London: A History

Rivers of South London: A History

Let’s not beat around the bush, London has one famous river – the River Thames. It’s the thing that goes right through the middle of the city, winds a bit, turns up in the EastEnders opening titles and then drains out in Kent. However, all across London there are smaller rivers, brooks, and streams that all contribute to the glorious Thames. Here's an account of the long-lost rivers of South London...

5 Interesting Facts About Greenwich Park

5 Interesting Facts About Greenwich Park

If you were a child with an SE postcode (or even further!) you will have visited Greenwich Park, most likely numerous times, and with good reason. You will have basked in its all-year glory as it shows off the most beautiful aspects of each season. If you haven’t – you must. So, for your pleasure, here are Five Interesting Facts About Greenwich Park...

A Brief History of The Catford Cat

A Brief History of The Catford Cat

The definitive reason behind Catford’s name was lost to the winds of time eons ago. Scholars still maintain, however, that the name is a reminder of the giant fibreglass cat that bestrode the area and looked down upon the civilians. The massive cat would ford its way over the populace, looking to catch any unsuspecting passers-by and take them back to its lair known as ‘Iceland’...