BermondseyBoy

Coldharbour Lane was formerly known as Camberwell Lane. Former British Prime Minister John Major lived in a flat in Coldharbour Lane when a child in the mid-1950s. The lane close by Brixton Market became very derelict by the mid 60's, when many drug houses flourished dealing mainly in cannabis.

In 1981 the Brixton riots occurred in roads near Coldharbour Lane and some windows were broken on the street itself. With the support of community leaders and shop owners, there were plans to set up a mini-police station on Coldharbour Lane in the former premises of a drug dealer. Origins of the name were a possible derivation of Cool Arbour Lane, dating from the time Camberwell was in the country. This is cited in 'The Streets' by Anthony Quinn (2012) as the place the Camberwell Beauty Butterfly of Samuel Jones fame was first sighted.

A "cold harbour" was an uninhabited shelter for travelers, often along a well-known route, somewhat similar to a modern bothy (basic shelter). Unlike an inn, there were no staff, food or drink to be had. There would be a roof, door and possibly a simple hearth, although it was the traveler's responsibility to gather fuel. They were generally little more than open-faced barns or animal shelters.

BEFORE AND AFTER 439 COLDHARBOUR LANE

1912 A cyclists stands outside the motor and cycle works of T.W.Brown & Sons at 439 Coldharbour Lane. The old fella in the centre is Thomas William Brown, and his son Walter stands on the left, holding their belt-driven motorised cycle. As was the custom of the time, everyone is wearing a hat. Their well stocked window display advertises Minerva Motors, Hyde Free Wheel, Brooks Saddles (which are still being made today) and Moselely Tyres. A selection of tyres and inner tubes are hanging in the window, while the company's plating, repairs and enamelling services are promoted underneath.

July 2009 Although T.W.Brown & Sons have long gone, the premises remain in independent hands, with the excellent Bookmongers secondhand bookshop trading from here since 1993.

The Sun and Doves was first at the 61 Coldharbour location in 1805. Here are pics of the old and new structure

The Plough Inn, 66 Coldharbour Lane, Camberwell Opened: 1856 Closed: 2018 Small local pub between Camberwell and Loughborough Junction. Known as Amaryllis Bar and Kitchen between 2007-2018

The Enterprise was situated at 171 Coldharbour Lane. This pub closed in 1995 and was used as The Coast Bar until 2004. It is now used as a Vietnamese restaurant