My Life in Bermondsey

I was at Alma from 61-63.Mr Murphy(a lovely man)was Head Master and my Mum was his secretary.Classmates l can remember are Christopher Booker(very clever),Fred Woodgates,Terry Graveney,Peter Simmonds.Mr Cresswell was scary but a great teacher

Hi Andrew,

I was at Alma 1957-63 finishing in Cresswell's class. I was caned by Mr Cresswell and also had the blackboard duster fly close by during lessons. Gawd help anyone hit by that lump of wood, 'cause he sure threw it like a baseball pitcher!

Remember Peter Simmonds, lived in Lucy Road opposite Drappers Road where I lived. He always had 'two candles' going!

Freddie

Hi Bett, thank's for your reply, I'm  63 so guess we knew each other, My cousins lived in the same flats, they were, Pat & Peter White & Kenny Sandford,There were 2 girls that lived in our block, Vicky Smith & Valery Harris, Ring any bells?

Hi Squekeypip2000

Certainly do remember the little hut in the park, and probably new your Mum, she must have given me a good telling off on many occasions for mucking about?
There was also a covered shelter there where would could get out of the rain.
Good times.

Bermondseyboy

All my family lived in Bermondsey from the 1800's.
Does anyone remember Fred and Eliza Barton. They lived in Guiness Buildings in Brandon Street and Kingsland, Maltby Street.Cannot find them on any census.They had 4 children.Eliza,Walter ,Gladys and Frederick junior.They split up it seems and I can't find where they went after that.
There was Freds daughter Lilie and Charlie Williams who lived in Falmouth Chambers.Can anyone help me please.It would be great to hear from you.
Fred,s sister Alice married Frank Dolly who lived at 16 Alderminster Road and Dockley Road.
Sorry if I have got some of the road names wrong, but only have bitty info.
Looking forward to some replies
I am really enjoying reading all of your posts, as it gives me an idea of life in Bermondsey.
My Great grandfather lived in Weston Street he was Walter Barton.It seems that all of the next generation also lived in the Bermondsey area.

It was probably was Longfield.  What a memory for names Lenny (Neil here)  I was actually born on the estate ( never did find out why we didn't make it to hospital). 

Wasn't it Bryce Bishop?  or was that another name? Such great times.  I still vividly remember playing 'knock down ginger' (I think that's what we called it), with a roll of thread across the road next to 'the pitch'.  It was the road from Southwark Park Road leading to the pub on the estate.  Across the road from the houses there was a half wall and we tied some black cotton to the door knocker and strung it across the road and hid behind the half wall.  I can still remember the man not being able to work out why he couldn't catch anyone.  He was right behind the door after about the fifth time, and a soon as the door was knocked he opened it.  I think I actually wet myself with laughing. We all lost it and he heard that so we legged it.  It was so so funny and I still laugh at it now. I left Bermondsey when I was 11 so we would have been less than that.

Hi Bowbells, like your Great Grandfather, I too lived in Weston Street. If you know where he lived and when he lived there, it could possibly help with your enquiries.
Best regards: Pat Long

Hi Pat
Great to hear from you,thanks for getting back to me.It was my mistake, it was my great great Grandfather Walter Barton and Elizabeth Barton, they lived at 121 Weston street.1881. They had Mary Ann who married William Twort, Alice married Frank Dolly, Frederick (my great Grandfather) married Ellen Larke. They both worked at Hartley jam Factory and it seemed after 3 years they must have divorced or seperated.they lived in Snoll Hatch. Ellen went on to remarry. Frederick met Eliza Carr who evidently come from Ireland.I cannot find out what happened as there is no trace of them.I was really hoping that perhaps someone might remember the Bartons as they all lived really close to one another in Bermondsey.
My Grandad was born 1904, so it might be too long ago for you Pat.
 Is Weston Street still there ?
If you have any info at all Pat I would really appreciate it.
 
Look forward to hearing from you
Bowbells

Hi, Bowbells, regarding Weston Street. Most of the street is still there, but the section that I lived in, and where I think your GGrandfather lived, has been re-developed and the street has gone from that stretch. I'm including a couple of pictures that I took in the 1960's, showing that part of the street and houses where he may have lived. Also a picture from a Stephen Humphrey book of Southwark & Bermondsey showing houses that were located on the other side of Long Lane, closer to the Leather Market. We used to play "Knock down Ginger" at the house where the murder was committed because it was more of a 'dare' than the other homes. We thought we'd be killed if they caught us. The building on the corner of Rephidim St and Weston St was used in a scene for the movie Battle of Britain (1969).
Also, just for interest, you'll see a picture of my next door neighbors, with our milkman's horse and cart. Maybe some members remember Bill the milkman?
In 1800's maps, Weston Street was named Great Hunter Street. Maybe that would help in your search?
Unfortunately, I can't find any reference at this point on your family, but I will let you know if I do find anything that I think may help you.
Best regards: Pat Long

Great pictures Pat. Is the third picture down Weston St looking towards Great Dover Street?

Hi purpleronnie
Saw your post about Bermondsey Central School in Pages Walk .  I went there from 1947/1953 and yes the school uniform was brown and the awful ties we had to wear were brown and yellow stripes every one looked like a wasp it was a mixed school but I believe not long after I left it became boys only. 
Millie

Hi i LOVE this site,the person who mentioned colin sefton his mum still lives on the corner of lynton road/monnow road,shuttleworth park is still open although you get lot of drunks in there now...A big thank you to bermondsey boy for bringing together such a great site.....

Hi, Bowbells, regarding Weston Street. Most of the street is still there, but the section that I lived in, and where I think your GGrandfather lived, has been re-developed and the street has gone from that stretch. I'm including a couple of pictures that I took in the 1960's, showing that part of the street and houses where he may have lived. Also a picture from a Stephen Humphrey book of Southwark & Bermondsey showing houses that were located on the other side of Long Lane, closer to the Leather Market. We used to play "Knock down Ginger" at the house where the murder was committed because it was more of a 'dare' than the other homes. We thought we'd be killed if they caught us. The building on the corner of Rephidim St and Weston St was used in a scene for the movie Battle of Britain (1969).
Also, just for interest, you'll see a picture of my next door neighbors, with our milkman's horse and cart. Maybe some members remember Bill the milkman?
In 1800's maps, Weston Street was named Great Hunter Street. Maybe that would help in your search?
Unfortunately, I can't find any reference at this point on your family, but I will let you know if I do find anything that I think may help you.
Best regards: Pat Long

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-patricktlong

Greta Pics Pat, my greatgrand Parents lived in one of the places on the left hand side in the third pic down, remeber as a kid going there in the 50's and being scared of the stuffed birds in a glass case. My grandparents lived in Elm Estate Weston Street.

Hello Bowbells

I remember there used to be a Mrs Barton lived in a ground floor flat in our small block in Maltby street. I hope this helps.

Hi Maltby Street

Thanks for your message.
My Great Great Grandmother lived in Maltby Street.
When did you live there ?
Her name was  Elizabeth.Do you remember anything else about the Barton's ?
Would be great to get anymore info.
Best Wishes Bowbells. 

Hi there PAPERBOY....just reading all your memories, and thought I would let you know that I am married to George Rose, We lived in number 11 Yalding road for 25 years from 1961 to 1975, and Georges brother Albert was married to Gwen MENNELL who was Jerries sister, and we oftern went to mrs Mennell, Gwens mum, a lovely lady.  We remember Jerry well and he certainly was a character, and always had a fag on, ha ha....
Mt hubby George often played football with Jerries brother David.Called the Sap football Club.
 
 Gwens mum was having a party in her house to celebrate the home-coming of her nephew Gussie who was in the navy, and my hubby and me were in bed asleep, and heard some-one throwing a stone at our window in Yalding road. When george looked out it was his brother Albert, saying COME ROUND HOME WE ARE HAVING A PARTY. SO WE GOT UP AND TOOK OURSELVES AND OUR 3 MONTH OLD SON LEE ROUND TO THE PARTY AND I GOT DRUNK AND GEORGE HAD TO DRAG ME AND THE BABY BACK THROUGH THICK SNOW, AT 5 OCLOCK IN THE MORNING.
 SO YES WE DO REMEMBER THE MENNELS WELL, AND THE SNELLS AS WELL.   HAPPPY DAYS.... barbararose42@hotmail.com  Please write if you want to reminise more... Cheeers

Hi again Paperboy...Cant believe this one...I lived at 250 St JAMES ROAD, 2 doors from your aunt. Maggie Saunders  (who we called MAGGIE RIPPER) had a daughter Joyce who was my best friend, sadly she died at the age of just 13 A YEAR OLDER THAN ME, of I think either flu or Polio, and I was devastated at that time, Joyce and me used to have a bike and she often was in my house, or i was in her house making meringues.....also I remember she used to like my brother David and they used to cylce to Abbey Woods...SHE WAS AN ONLY CHILD AND Maggie and I think her hubby was George (not sure)  I just remember seeing her coffin taken up the stairs to the road and feeling really sad and could never understand why some-one so young had died.  
 The houses were basements houses and called the airey houses, and above the street door there was another door which was used for access to furniture as you could not get furniture through the tiny street doors.
My husband George used to be mates with Roy Ripper and thinks he went to the same school as Roy.
I can also name most of the other people that lived down the Airey, just nice ordinary folk who had time for you and would always do a favour (sadly not like today so much). If you want to know more please email me as I LOVE TALKING ABOUT BERMONDSEY AS i have so many memories.  REGARDS BABS ROSE    barbararose42@hotmail.com

Hello Bowbells

I was born in maltby house in 1961 and lived there until 1976. The adress was maltby house maltby street. And i remebr Mrs Barton living in one of the ground floor flats. I might be wrong but i think my mum used to call her Winny. Allthough im not shure. Hope it helps.

Richard

Hi All, Joe Halpin was my dad, we lived at 40 Alexis St. I lived there with my 2 sisters and 2 brothers.MY dad was a cooper and had his yard on Lindsay St. right next to the sweet shop. I used to play with many kids from Drappers Rd. and Macks Rd. I have looked at this sight many times, this is my first posting. Perhaps I will meet some old friends. My dad moved from Alexis St. to Pope House, the flats are still there today. My brothers names were Joe and John. My sisters were Lou and Kathy. My family used to use the Queen Vic. that is on the corner of Monnow Rd. and Southwark Park Road. We did all of the shopping down the Blue. I have no idea why it was called the Blue. I went to Alexis Street school and to Monnow Rd school. Monnow Rd. was an all girls school. We had to wear uniforms which I hated. I remember many good things about Bermondsey, I go back once in a while but things are never the same. If anybody remembers the name of the kids from that area please let me know. I kept in touch with them for years, some have now passed away I'm sorry to say.
Eileen Sautter (Halpin)