My Life in Bermondsey

I lived in Guinness Buildings Pages Walk ( S block, No 430) wetween 1957 and 1968. Vossy description of this Victorian Tenanment Block is very acurate, there were 4 blocks of flats, half of the 3rd block was missing due to the bombing during the war, and made a very good football pitch. part of the 2nd block was bombed out and made a very good playground,if the porters didn't catch you.
I think the superintendant at the time was a Mr Vennals and the there was Georgie Horton the head porter who was always giving us kids a hard time for climbing over the bike sheds or playing in the bomb sites, the other porter was Tom Fitzgerald who had a son Tony. another good adventure was the Bricklays Arms Goods Depot, climbing the pickle barrels on the trains.
I did attend Webb St School for a while, but then moved to English Martyrs School near East st.
names of pals that I shared those days and memories with are:
Tony Treadwell
Tony Hawkins
Patrick Fahey
Danny Fahey
Georgie Raymond
Johnny Comber
Michael East
Johnny Hewitt
David Godsell
Tommy Forder
Evelyn & Marcela O'Conner
John & Margaret O'Leary
Paul Wilson (USA)
Lenny Padbury
Thomas & Eileen Lounghnane(cousins)
if you remember me? or have any old photo's of the Bricklayers Arms/Old Kent Rd/Pages Walk or Tower Bridge RD,drop me a line
Regards
Kevin

-guinnessboy

Kevin
If the Tony Hawkins on your list would have been around 75 years old now [2011] then I can claim him as my brother! Sadly though he passed away a few years back, but was always a Bermondsey Boy through and through.

Hello I'm new to this great site.

Born just of the Old Kent Road in 1956, attended Kintore Way Nursery, St Albans, Paradise St [for a short while], La Salette and St Michaels at Dockhead, had a Saturday job in 'Downsway's' supermarlet in the Blue before leaving St Mick's in '74.

I was a DJ in the Red Cow for about ten years when Georgie and Maureen cottle had the pub.

Lived in Kinglake Street [wrong side of the OKR], The Silwood, The Rockingham and lastly in Bermondsey Street opposite the Market.

Worked for Southwark Council for 25 years and would love to hear from anyone who knew of any past members of my family with the surnames Wood, Kent, Smith, Hawkins.

all the best

Pat Kent

Hi everyone,
I am trying to track down what happened to my great grandmother. She was born in Italy in appx 1885 and her name is Rose/Rosa Cavo. She married someone by the name of Natella and had one son, Johnny, who died in the late 30's early 40's. By which time she had left her husband and set up home with my great grandfather Domino Bagnaro, a refreshment and ice cream seller. They had five children together, Mary, Florence, Joe, Danny and Michael [my late grandfather].
I forgot to say of course that they lived in the Bermondsey/Rotherhithe/Walworth area at some point;)
Ive found out recently that she left him as well but I dont know where she got to after that. Do I have any living relatives out there or does anyone know what happened to her. Ive tried looking for death notices with all three surnames but no luck. Did she find someone else and adopt his surname maybe?
Any help would be appreciated and Id love to hear from anyone else who knows the families, Cavo, Bagnaro or Natella. [We are also related to the Manze's but not sure how].
Ruth

Not truly a 'Bermondsey Boy' - I lived the other side of Old Kent Road in Crosslet Street. But what brought me on here were so many pictures of places I knew, places my parents had worked etc. 

I lived in Palmsterstone House in Crosslet Street from 1947-54, went to the nursery at Victory Place (just off New Kent Road), then to Townsend Street Junior School (just off Old Kent Road) and then to Michael Faraday when we moved to Villa Street. Crosslet Street was a wonderful dump - a two room flat that had been condemned as unfit for human habitation before the war and then re-opened because of the housing shortage. Needless to say, I loved the place. Used to go to Saturday morning pictures at the 'Old Kent' at Bricklayer's Arms. Every Sunday down the Lane - does anyone remember the bloke who used to sell small glasses of quinine for a penny and shout out 'Purifies the blood'?

The Roses were my aunty Rose (yes, Rose Rose) and uncle Jim, and had Ivy and Little Jimmy (though he was taller than his dad!) who was a very goodlooking lad and had all the girls after him.  Uncle Jim was a coalman and my aunt worked in Pearce Duff's in the factory.  Every time I see English marigolds it takes me right back to their back garden where there seemed to be hundreds.  The trains ran along the back of their house, and I remember the prefabs a little way along.  My aunt and uncle used to have the best Christmas parties upstairs in the middle rooms with the double doors thrown back, and they always had a huge tree with a present for everyone.  Beer and spirits with everyone having a good time, and the entertainment was the piano which my mum used to play almost non-stop throughout the evening and never played the same song twice.  In the basement (the 'airy') where their living room was they had the food, and I remember the bowl of pickled onions vibrating in the vinegar with all the dancing upstairs.  If anyone got drunk they'd be taken out in the garden and sat on an upright chair till they sobered up!  
 
I also remember the Snell family, I was in the same class as either Brenda or Linda - can't remember which one now, but I also remember the older brother, Lenny, who all the girls fancied.
 
I went to Alma, and certainly do remember Mr Murphy and his office up the stairs, but can't recall him smoking a pipe.  I remember the green school supply cups and saucers they used to use though, which I still see in organisations today. My teacher was Mr Cresswell, he was pretty strict, and I got the cane from him once.  The humiliation from getting punished in front of the whole class was worse than the stinging pain across the palm of my hand. Those were the days where you were scared of the teachers and never dared misbehave in case you got the cane!  Another teacher was Mr Creffield, and I think there was a Mrs Legerton. 
 
Whenever we visited my aunt and uncle the men would go down the Lord Palmerston while the women stayed indoors.  Wee Willie Harris was a mate of my cousin Jimmy, and used to often be sitting in my aunt's house playing the piano.  His pink hair in those days was so outrageous and would make everyone stop and stare.  Oh, what good memories and such a wonderful website this is!  I will indeed spend all my spare time reading about other people's recollections and will undoubtedly know some of the people they mention.  Thank you. 

Hi Babs

I remember your family so well!  Your mum and your brothers.  Your sister Gillian was my best friend.  We spent so many happy hours in Paterson Park.  I lived in St James Road, and she lived in Rock Grove then, opposite the Cave family.  Sylvie lived up by the Sultan didn't she.  How is Gill?  I often think about her.  She came to see me years ago when she had a little girl and I lived in Catford.  But we lost touch, as is often the case.

hi free bird would it be possible you know my mum gladys hayward dhe also lived st james road

Hi, yes the name certainly rings a bell though I can't place her.  We lived at 184, where did your mum live? 

I was born in Guy's Hospital, March 1971, and lived in St James's Road in Bermondsey opposite the flats and Strathnairn Street.  As young as I was when I lived there (from birth till I was 5 years old) I have very fond memories of Bermondsey. 
 
We lived in, what I thought to believe a biggish house (I was only a nipper so everything probably looked bigger) between The Blue and the Old Kent Road (near The Sultan Pub).  I can't remember the names of the side streets nearby (only remember the flats opposite and Strathnairn Street), and I remember that there was an electrical shop next door to us. My Mum, Dad, Sister and myself shared the house with my Nan and Grandad.  My Nan and Grandad lived upstairs which comprised of a bedroom, kitchen and large living room and we lived downstairs which had a long passageway, two large bedrooms, living room and kitchen and not forgetting the outside loo.  I remember Mum either bathing my sister and I in the kitchen sink or if we were lucky, the tin bath that Mum used to put in the living room so we could watch TV.  I was extremely close to my Nan & Grandad and it was great having them living upstairs (probably great for Mum & Dad too having a babysitter on hand!).  As far as I remember I think that I was upstairs more than I was down - I can just picture it now sitting at my Nan's kitchen table - my sister and I used to sing to Nan and she would tape us singing on a small tape recorder.  Think Mum still has the cassette now???  We used to spend our Christmas' upstairs and I remember Grandad would buy the biggest Turkey that would never fit in their small oven so they had to cut the Turkey in bits before cooking.
 
I remember going to a Nursery in Kintore Way (think that is how you spell it).  I loved that Nursery.  I remember that after our lunch we used to have a nap and in the summer there were little beds all lined up outside in the warm sunshine where we could sleep.  That is probably why when I am at work I get tired after lunchtime!!! 
 
I went to St James's School in Jamaica Road and I remember Mum walking me to school and we had to walk through the arches where the trains would run overhead.  99% of the time, we would be halfway through the arches and a Fire Engine with its siren sounding would come through or a train would pass overhead which would make me scream and cry as it was so loud.  I think I had a phobia of Fire Engine sirens.  They absolutely scared the life out of me so much so that I would almost freeze with fright!
 
I remember the funfairs in Southwark Park and on one occasion our puppy labrador that Dad bought home as a surprise was let off the leash and as I was running, as I couldn't wait to get on the rides, the dog came running after me and head butted me up the backside and knocked me 6 feet in the air.  Again, I screamed and cried and we went home.  I was also scared of dogs at that age :)
 
We left Bermondsey when I was 5 years old as they were knocking down all the houses in St James's' to build newer houses.  I have looked at where I used to live on Google Maps and it is such a shame that it has changed so much!!!!

Hello all,Does anyone have any recollection of the Bermondsey Sea Cadet Corps?..we had our Boat,a converted Motor Torpedo Boat,Moored in Surrey Docks by the Iron Bridge at the end of Brunel Road.The CO was a Dick Jordan,and later a Police officer from Tower Bridge named Stevens..We also aquired an old Landing Craft that we were renovating.Used to go up to Ravens aite,an island in the Thames,for week ends.ALso had trips to the Fleet...these would be for two weeks at a time,at a cost of 10/-(50p)..and we would spend the whole time at Royal Navy Bases or on board one of the Ships.My favourite trip was Two weeks on the Battleship King George v,,when she was part of the Reserve Fleet.Then trips to HMS Osprey,the Land Base at Portland.We used to go out in Submarines one day,and then on Frigates chasing them the next.Then two weeks at HMS Excellent,the Gunnery School near Portsmouth..Absolutely marvelous times...anyone else been lucky enough to have experienced this..Pleased to hear from you if possible...Bill Killick.

Hello thetwit
I've been looking for anyone who was at Monnow Rd School to ask if they remember Marie Nisbet. Marie has just passed away aged 80 and we are trying to get some background info about her.
Thanks

Born and raised in Bermondsey, 1940-1961, moved to Barlow St near East St., Walworth when I married Rita from Spa Road.
Lived first in A Block, Guinness Trust, Snowsfields but this got bombed so moved to Layard Road off of Southwark Park Rd. My family lived there until the place was compulsary purchased for redevelopment - shame.
Dad, Alf James, worked at Butler's Wharf running the printing dept. He also ran the Lions Football club, starting before the war and continuing afterwards, and they were very successful, winning three trophy's in 1955. Dad died in 1969 and was buried by Albins.
Mum, Ellen (Nellie) James nee Miller, was a furrier working in the West End for large dept stores. She is now 100 years old and lives near me in Suffolk.
My brother, John married Jean nee Dedman, from Rotherhithe and they lived in Southwark Park Rd until he died April 2009. He also worked at Butler's in the tea dept and he was, for many years, the secretary of the Bermondsey Fishing Club.
In Layard Road our neighbours were: Teddy Townsend, Alan Reeves, Ronnie Nisbet, Carol McCombie, David Betram, Kenny Howard, Terry Lunney, Michael Danglelitus, Peter Dawson, Roy Bennetts and many other lovely people.
I went to school at Southwark Park Rd then to Mina Road (Walworth Sec Mod).
Bermondsey was a lovely place in those days and the original people there still try to keep it the way it was but they are losing out to development and change. I stopped going there when John died two years ago but the place will always be a big part of me.

Hi - just joined the site. i am doing research into my family tree - namely the Drurys who lived in Bermondsey from around 1788 mid 1900s. Fascinating seeing the old photos especially Mint Street and Maze Court - thankyou for for help in allowing me to see a part of my familys history !!
Tanya

  Hello, I have never lived in Bermondsey but my  family have. I often wonder where Bermondsey ends & Southwark begins!
My Nan & grandad Peters ( Edward/ Ted & Elizabeth/Bess lived on Burman Street Southwark between 1921& 1936. My dad Alfred & his 3 siblings were born at Burman Street too. Edward (b.1921) Mary (b.1922) Ernest b.(1926) Alfred b.(1928). Mary & Ernest both died as babies They are buried at Streatham Park Cemetery. I have memorial cards from: STEPHEN TULL Undertaker & Funeral Furnisher, London Road, Southwark S.E. All 4 children were Baptised at St Jude's church. Edward & Alfred attended St Jude's School, Colnbrook Street, Southwark
My Gt Gt Grandfather George Pugsley died on Pages Walk Bermondsey. His wife Mary Ann Pugsley nee Gabriel remarried At St Mary Magdelene Church in 1896 to Andrew Vane. The Vane family lived on Pages Walk too.

I've seen a map that shows the boundry between Southwark and Bermondsey running along Crosby Row into Long lane then into Staple St and then along Manciple St.
 The boundary also cut the corner at the Bricklayers arms (before the flyover was built) so the pub on the south east corner (I asume it was the Bricklayers Arms) was not in Bermondsey, before it ran along Old Kent road for a short stretch heading south
 This might be a bit of a shock to some people who lived on the 'wrong' side of the boundary. But then the Borough is quite trendy now so there may be compensations.

Hi there. I often have people as me 'where is Bermondsey? Why is some of it SE16 and some of SE1? And what about Rotherhithe? I usually tell them that the SE1 part is nearer the Old Kent Road, hence the post code. I know what you mean about the Borough being trendy! Mind you, Bermondsey itself seems pretty trendy now with celebs claiming to live there or wanting to.
It has come a long way since my old Dad (born 1904 - I am the baby of the family!) had a big sister called Vi who moved away and pronounced it Ber-MOND-sey, and left off the Spa when talking of living in a mansion!
I hear that they sold off the railway land behind Ilderton Road and Rotherhithe New Road when the old depot line closed down at the Bricklayers Arms. Is that true? The old bridge is still there across the road near Ilderton Road. When someone told me of this, I pictured houses being built, and trendy people moving in, and living on what was the old railway line. I did not fancy it one bit, for I think I would be expecting to hear a train whistle blow and the thunder of of the train!
I hear a train a coming
its coming round the bend
but there aint been a railway line since I dont know when.....
but I hear a train a coming, oh mercy me
and these houses are all in the way, thats what worries me
They said the train was late
but that did not comfort me
it was loaded up and sent out in 1963
well I knew it was a coming
I hear that whistle scream
and then I wake up in my trendy flat...it was all a dream!
Apologies to Johnny Cash and Folsom Prison Blues, and excuse my cynical self for hinting that houses are built in stupid places and British Rail freigh trains were not efficient!
Cheers!!

HI....i always found that the noise of the Trains and the shunting engines a comforting sound at nights.I lived in Major Road,and i could hear the trains rattling along past Spa Road on the way to and from London Bridge...another sound that i remember was the Early Morning Trams along Jamaica Road.I think the first one was about 4.30 am,I used to wake up because my Mother used to go office Cleaning at Ibex House on London Bridge,and they used to catch the early Morning Bus.I particularly remember the Trams as they used to run all weathers,and even in the thickest of Fogs,Smogs,You could hear one coming along,Dinging the Footbell in the Drivers Cab.Upstairs was always full of Dockers,in Caps with their collars turned up,smoking like chimneys.Downstairs was a bit more refined,and you could almost breathe.The conductor would jump off at the start of the single Track along George Row to Dockhead,in case there was one coming the other way.Then he would jump back on and Ring the Big Brass Bell Push a few times to let the driver know he was on board..As a youngster it was very exciting to ride on the top deck of a Tram,looking out of the small window at the front....Then pulling all the seats over the wrong way as you got off....I remember that in 1947,when i started Work at Hays Wharf,the Bus Conductor would not let you get on the Bus if you had Overalls on,and would physically stop you with his wooden Ticket Holder...Telling you that there was a Tram Just Behind.....Old Bermondsey was a Great place to live..i loved everry minute of it ..  Bill Killick

Hi bilko,
I liked your bit about the sounds of the trains and the trams.  One of the sounds I loved in Bermonsey was on New Years Eve (Old Years Night as we used to call it) when we stood in the street and could hear all the boats and tugs on the river blasting out their horns and hooters at midnight.  It is a sound I would love to hear again, all we hear now on that night are fireworks.
Linda

Hello Linda...Yes all those sounds on the River were part and parcel of Bermondsey life.I had an uncle that worked on the "Tower Bridge Tug"i think it was called Ninja.It had a Yellow Funnel and three Red rings around it.It was always stationed on the West Side of the Bridge in case of emergencies...Every Xmas and New year My mum used to say to us,listen for Uncle Johnnies Tug,,He always  did several Cock -a-doodle-doos,to let us know that it was him..But i think a lot of the others copied it as well  ...The other times there was a lot of hoots is when it was Foggy,with the Fog Horns on the Ships blasting out a warning.My Father used to take me down to Cherry Garden Pier to watch the Paddle Steamers coming back from Margate and Ramsgate.Full of revellers,all singing Knees up mother Brown etc .I think it was the Royal Soveriegn and the Royal Daffodil,great big paddles swashing away,all lit up,a great sight to see.We used to watch Tower Bridge go up and let them through..... Great memories of old Bermondsey  xx