The Haggerston Nobody Knows
With the Geffrye Museum planning to demolish the Marquis of Lansdowne – one of the few remaining fragments of nineteenth century Haggerston – William Palin recalls the lost wonders of this once coherent and distinctive neighbourhood.
Tudor Gothic Villas in Nichols Sq, 1945
Haggerston, in the Borough of Hackney, remains one of those ‘lost’ districts of London’s inner suburbs. Even the boundaries of this elusive locale have fluctuated, yet although the current electoral ward extends deep into Shoreditch, I would draw the borders of Haggerston at Hackney Rd to the south, Queensbridge Rd to the east, Kingsland Rd to the west and Regent’s Canal to the north.
Just a few important public buildings remain in Haggerston, including the old Haggerston Library – which was left to rot in the seventies before being facaded in the nineties – and the magnificent Haggerston Baths on Whiston St with its gilded Golden Hind weather vane. Poignant indicators of the glories that once were here.
Although Haggerston suffered some bomb damage – St Mary’s Church by John Nash was completely destroyed in 1941 – it was the post-war planners who erased most of the superior nineteenth century terraces, with streets of sound houses succumbing to the bulldozers as late as 1978. While the estates that replaced them may have provided superior accommodation and new amenities, they were brutal and uncompromising in their disregard for the intimacy, cohesion, humanity and community spirit of the old streets – attributes embraced in other similar London neighbourhoods wherever the terraces were retained.
As London’s population grew rapidly in the nineteenth century, Haggerston became a densely populated industrial suburb. In many eastern districts, land ownership tended to be fragmented, resulting in a series of relatively small-scale building speculations that eventually came together to form a coherent if quirky network of streets with pubs, shops and small industry, all adding to the diverse character of the streetscape. Although individual speculators – whether a few houses or a whole street – imposed a uniformity of design, there was surprising and delightful variation between streets with even modest houses exhibiting decorative flourishes in their brickwork, fanlights, shutters and front doors. Where streets met, the junctions were resolved with an effortless dexterity which was one of the striking characteristics of the London speculative builder and, on the rare occasion a pub was absent, a corner house was built with a side entrance.
In common with most of south Hackney and Shoreditch, the dominant industries of the area were the furniture and finishing trades. An insurance map of 1930 shows timber yards, French polishers, enamellers, cabinet factories, mirror frame factories, wood carvers and a plethora of other related trades. Interestingly, the legacy of these industries is still evident today in the Hackney Rd, where Maurice Franklin the ninety-three year old wood turner works at The Spindle Shop and D.J.Simons maintain their thriving business supplying mouldings for picture framing after more than a century, as well as in the handful of second hand shops trading in the furniture once made locally.
Unquestionably, the centrepiece of Haggerston’s nineteenth century development was Nichols Sq, situated east of the Geffrye Museum beyond the railway viaduct. Built in 1841 and featuring two outward facing rows of picturesque Tudor gothic villas at its centre, Nichols Sq was further enhanced in 1867-9 by a splendid church and vicarage – St Chad’s – by the architect James Brooks. Surviving in good condition until blighted by a Compulsory Purchase Order, the square was swept away in 1963 for the Fellows Court Estate. Geoffrey Fletcher, author of ‘The London Nobody Knows,’ lamented the impending loss in 1962 by illustrating the houses in the Daily Telegraph, and describing “the delightful Gothic villas … in excellent condition [which] if they were in Chelsea would fetch anything from £10,000 to £15,000.” Savouring the architectural detail, he comments “Typical of the finesse of the period is that, while the terrace railings have a Classic flavour, the similar ones of the cottages have a Tudor outline. But after next year none of this will matter any more.”
The London County Council planning files record no evidence of any robust defence of Nichols Sq. The principal concern – ironic in the context of the current plans to demolish the Marquis of Lansdowne pub – was the effect of the new tower blocks upon the setting of the Geffrye Museum. Nichols Sq had only one entrance, which led from Hackney Rd at the south east corner, and this was guarded by a Tudor lodge. The secluded location had helped it retain an isolated respectability until the very end, despite the incursion of the railway viaduct across its western extremity just a few years after completion.
To the south of Fellows Court Estate is Cremer St, the only direct link between Hackney Rd and Kingsland Rd, which was once graced by a series of modest but elegant semi-detached villas (a building type that became a defining characteristic of Hackney). These villas are captured in a beautiful series of LCC photographs of 1946, which also show a double-fronted detached house with a wide fanlight, where an old man perches on the high front steps, lighting a pipe. In Cremer St, The Flying Scud pub, with its distinctive blue Truman’s livery survived until only a few years ago, while running south from there – now reached via a rubbish-strewn alley – is Long St, whose distinctive yellow brick houses are also illustrated in the LLC old photographs. Of these, only a few paving stones survive.
To the north of the Fellows Court Estate is Dunloe Street, once lined by neat terraces, now bleak save for St Chad’s Church – the last fragment of Nichols Sq. Dunloe St linked into a network of small streets, including Appleby St and Ormsby St, where well-maintained and well-loved terraces endured until 1978 when they were controversially emptied of their occupants and demolished. A handful of houses on the west end of Pearson St are now the only reminders we have of this once vibrant and homogenous neighbourhood.
In 1966, architectural critic Ian Nairn spoke eloquently of the lost opportunities of the rebuilding of the East End, in words that perfectly describe the fate of old Haggerston – “All the raucous, homely places go and are replaced by well-designed estates which would fit a New Town but are hopelessly out of place here. This is a hive of individualists, and the last place to be subjected to this kind of large-scale planning. Fragments survive, and the East Enders are irrepressible …but they could have had so much more, so easily.”
The tragedy is that fifty years on from the loss of Nichols Sq the destruction still continues. The only remaining building from the eighteen thirties on Cremer St is the Marquis of Lansdowne pub. It is owned by the Geffrye Museum, an institution that exists to foster an understanding of the history of domestic design, furniture and the culture of ‘the home.’ Astonishingly, the Geffrye wants to demolish it for a new extension. Perhaps the trustees need a walking tour and a history lesson? After all the needless destruction that has been enacted upon its doorstep, if even a museum cannot learn from history what hope is there?
Submit an objection to the demolition of the Marquis of Lansdowne direct to the Borough of Hackney by clicking here and entering the application number 2013/0053. The more objections the council receives the more likely it will refuse this application.
Alternatively, you can send your objection as an email to planning@hackney.gov.uk quoting application number 2013/0053 or send a written objection to Planning Duty Desk, Hackney Service Centre, 1 Hillman Street, E8 1DY.
Nichols Sq by Geoffrey Fletcher, 1963
Plan and perspective of Nichols Sq, 1845 – not really a square at all but highly picturesque. (Copyright Hackney Archives Department)
North side of Nichols Sq, 1960.
Washing the doorstep in Shap St with the Fellows Court Estate beyond, 1974. (Copyright Hackney Archives Department)
A rich and coherent cityscape – Shap St, looking north, 1974. (Copyright Hackney Archives Department)
Elegant dark-painted sashes and immaculately maintained shutters in Ormsby St, 1965. (Copyright Hackney Archives Department)
Hows St, c.1960. (Copyright Hackney Archives Department)
Whiston St in the hot summer of 1976, just before demolition. (Copyright Hackney Archives Department)
Intimate streetscape – Ormsby St, 1965. (Copyright Hackney Archives Department)
Weymouth Terrace shortly before demolition, 1964. Note the stuccoed ground floor facade. (Copyright Hackney Archives Department)
Geffrye St, 1960s (Copyright Hackney Archives Department)
“All the homely places have gone”– Sitting room at 50 Shap St c.1959. (Copyright Hackney Archives Department)
Fellows Rd, 1959. Neat terraces with blank panels at parapet level. (Copyright Hackney Archives Department)
A perfect corner, courtesy of the London speculative builder. Pearson St and Fellows St, 1951. (Copyright Hackney Archives Department)
Ormsby St before demolition, 1978 – note the photographer’s blackboard on the window ledge. (City of London, London Metropolitan Archives)
Cremer St, 1946. (City of London, London Metropolitan Archives)
Cremer St, 1946. (City of London, London Metropolitan Archives)
Detail – Man lights a pipe in Cremer St, 1946. (City of London, London Metropolitan Archives)
Cremer St, 1946. (City of London, London Metropolitan Archives)
Tudor Gothic villas in Nichols Sq, 1950. (City of London, London Metropolitan Archives)
Tudor Gothic villas in Nichols Sq with fleur de lis railings, 1950. (City of London, London Metropolitan Archives)
Iain Nairn described the East End as “a hive of individualists” – this applied to the builders too, as shown in the delightfully quirky design of these houses in Long St, photographed in 1951. (City of London, London Metropolitan Archives)
Fine eighteenth century doorcase at 171 Kingsland Road. The house and its neighbours came down in the late sixties. (City of London, London Metropolitan Archives)
Montage by John Claridge
Sign the Petition to save The Marquis of Lansdowne here
Sketch by Tim Whittaker of The Spitalfields Trust illustrating his proposal to renovate the Marquis of Lansdowne.
The concrete box on the right is the proposed replacement for the Marquis of Lansdowne.
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Suprising, that this still goes on.
The photo of Nichols Sq shows that two of the cars visible are a Rover P2 or P3 & an Armstrong-Siddley – NOT “cheap” makes/models.
This is all so very upsetting.
And now I’ve just clicked the link to the ‘Marquis of Lansdown’ at the top of this page and am even more appalled and depressed. The Geffrye Museum’s intention of keeping and refurbishing the pub all changed when they received Heritage Lottery funding. What?!
Now I’m thoroughly miserable. (But at least I can write that letter).
Strange but true – The Geffrye Museum applied to the Heritage Lottery Fund for an enormous grant on the basis of preserving and restoring The Marquis of Lansdowne, but once they got the money they decided to bulldoze the pub!
I am appalled on three counts: the disingenousness of a public institution; the potential destruction of a fine building in a conservation area in a distruict that has lost far too many good buildings and streetscapes; and the potential loss of a small part of my family history. This pub featured in the 1884 trial at the Old Bailey of a naughty ancestor of mine, who went into it to try to sell a cart he had stolen. Actually he got away with this one, but another trial followed on directly and then he was coinvicted. Given what we know of him, I reckon he was lucky on the first count!
If any readers feel moved to write to the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) this will help. They haven’t yet decided on whether or not to give the final grant of £11m to fund the project (which includes demolition of the pub). We are asking the Geffrye to go back to their original plan to retain and repair the pub and integrate it into the new extension. Here are the contact details for the HLF London Team: http://bit.ly/Yeiic1
Have the Geffrye been totally silent on this issue?
It’s only a matter of time before National Press picks this up and it won’t look good at all. Until this cock up it was one of my favourite spots in London, both the front and back gardens and the walk-through the ages interior.. I hope they do the right thing here.
Yeshan – thanks for your comment. Yes, the Geffrye is an excellent museum with a first rate education programme. It just seems to have developed a blind-spot over this pub, and appears to be completely out of touch it is with public opinion. It is very sad that the trustees can’t see the opportunities offered by this building – and what an exciting, popular and rewarding thing it would be to bring it back into use – weather as a pub, shop, restaurant, cafe or some other part of the museum. Think of the stories embedded in its bricks and mortar! They must change course or I fear the reputation of the museum will be permanently damaged.
My great grandmother Margaret Jane Horne was born at 45 Great Cambridge Street, Haggerstone, in 1847. On her birth certificate, her father John Horne’s occupation is described as Paper Stainer, I can only imagine he worked in a Wallpaper Factory.
On Margaret’s marriage certificate in 1867, her father is then described as an Oilman, which I believe was buying and selling oil for oil lamps.
The petition is signed, an objection has been made to the Planning Department and an email sent to the HLF. Have I missed anything?
Strange how the more money is spent (e.g. £11million) the less it is likely to be classed as vandalism. Now if you were to take a sledgehammer to that building they would soon lock you up (because you didn’t spend enough to do it?)
Next I will boycott the Geffrye – but nobody would notice because I’ve never been. Angry!
Very sad that even the Geffrye don’t see the potential of this building. In an area with so few old buildings left it would be sad to lose another especially by those who have such an understanding of the past.
Hopefully the word is getting out now and there will be enough opposition to try and convince them to rethink their plans. Emails and letters sent!
What a sad but splendidly-illustrated example of how we ripped the heart out of so many British towns & cities after the war. Thank you. The tragedy is that we are doing it again. Following on from planning changes 10 years ago there has been a 700% increase in the building of tower blocks. Meanwhile density targets & buildings regualtions currently make it all but impossible to build “conventional” streets. Maddness. Which is why we at Create Streets are campaigning against it . . . (www.createstreets.com)
There is a great ‘kitchen sink’ film set in this area just as the old terraces were coming down, it was filmed in March 1963. The film is called ‘A Place To Go’ and stars Rita Tushingham’. The family are seen moving out of their slum clearance house in Ormsby Street as it is set for demolition. In the final part of the film it shows the building site on which the Fellows Court Estate was built. Worth a watch if you know this area.
Some might only see them as lost buildings but I see them as a destroyed community. Perfectly good, even grand, houses lost to the misguided planners of the 60s and 70s.
As a fan of the Geffrye Museum I’m shocked by their actions.
My grandmother was born at 31 Scawfell Street in 1907. The street still exists in part but the houses are long gone. Here’s a photo of how it used to be. No.31 is next door to the pub. She’d have liked that!
http://collage.cityoflondon.gov.uk/collage/app?service=external/FullScreenImage&sp=Zscawfell&sp=116291&sp=X&sp=2
Thanks for the photos of the lost streets. These were proper homes, in need of updating rather than demolition. I’ve signed the petition. Please keep us posted.
My great-great-grandparents began their married life in 1841 in the terraced house which is now number 7 Buckfast Street (formerly Abbey Street), E2. This charming little house is completely restored and now in excellent condition, providing a happy home for a 21st Century family instead of sticking them in chilly isolation in some pile of ugliness way up in the sky.
The photos showing the potential of Nichols Square and the surrounding streets are a complete shock when compared to the awfulness of Fellows Court. My daughter has a flat in Fellow Court and when I sent her your amazing article, she couldn’t believe that anyone would have demolished such lovely houses in favour of the ugliness that form Fellows Court. Those houses could have been beautifully restored and, if Hackney Council has any sense at all, they should be waking up to what they could have created of this area. A real treasure for the people of the East End.
I received a reply from the Heritage Lottery Fund. It doesn’t make good reading! In the interests of free and open information the contents are copied here. I’m sure Simona Spoglianti will have no objection.
Dear Mr Holford,
The Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) is aware that the Geffrye Museum’s latest proposals for their major project no longer include the retention and re-use of the Marquis of Lansdowne pub which has been derelict and out of use for a number of years.
HLF gave initial support and development funding towards the Geffrye Museum’s ‘Museum of the Home’ project in April 2011. This project is still in its development phase and it is not unusual for changes to occur at this stage of a project. Whilst the Museum originally proposed to retain the pub and considered a range of options for its re-use, it has concluded that it is not feasible to do so without compromising the rest of the wider development scheme.
The scheme has now been amended and submitted for planning and listed building consents. Ultimately the shape of the final proposals must be decided by the Museum and it is the remit of the planning process to determine whether the overall proposals are appropriate. HLF is continuing to encourage the Museum to engage and consult the local community extensively over the coming months and will consider the project again later on this year.
Kind regards,
Simona Spoglianti
Senior Grants Officer
Heritage Lottery Fund
7 Holbein Place
London SW1W 8NR
E-mail: simonas@hlf.org.uk
Website: http://www.hlf.org.uk
So sad. Unneccessary destruction of our history. Totally outrageous if the Heritage Lottery Fund pays for it as surely it’s supposed to enhance our heritage not fund its demolition.
Well done Gentle Author for bringing this dreadful decision to a much wider audience. I’ve signed the petition and sent off the e-mail to Hackney but given the blinkered thinking of most of our council’s I rather fear the worst. I live in a lovely street of Victorian terrace houses in Stoke Newington very like some of the beautiful old houses in Haggerson which were torn down. Such a wasted opportunity. Shame on the Geffrye Museum.
This building doesn’t actually hold much architectural merit, however as this is the Geffrye museum I love to see them take the old pub and incorporate it into the new Chipperfield design. Chipperfield is a great architect and the possible juxtaposition of new and old would look great – whilst providing a brilliant case study for the museum.
I used to live off Whiston Road in Haggerston (1994 – 1998) and it was living here that started my love for shoreditch, Spitalfields and the East End.
Itis painful to read of the wholesale demolition of these wonderful terraces. Corporate vandalism in the extreme. Such houses would be much loved and very sought after these days. I lived in an old “artisans cottage” in Pages Walk SE1 and it made a wonderful home. It was very similar to the shuttered homes pictured above. So sad they’ve gone.
Hi I lived at number 22 Appleby Street, Shoreditch E.2, married name Gill, maiden Taylor,
From 5 Fellow Street. I had two children in Applebye Street one in 1957 and the other in 1963.
I know for a fact the film in 1963 A Place To Go was filmed in Appleby Street, I was in hospital
Having our second child and my husband was living in our house while this was being filmed every night. It was not made in Bethnal Green like stated on the DVD cover. Just wanted to clear this point up and to see if any one living down my street at the time remembers this.
Well said June – I remember the making of this film very well – I lived in Godwin House (Weymouth Terrace) from 1956. It’s such a shame all the old terraces have gone.
Greetings June, hope all is well. Of course ‘A Place to Go’ was filmed in Appleby Street it was our house they used and I still have an autographed memento from that time and chatting with Mike Sarne about football in our kitchen during shots. There is one scene where Bernard Lee and Doris Hare walk down the road and enter the house. The Director, Basil Dearden frustratingly insisted on filming it a number of times, then on what should have been the final shot, somebody left the back door open and our old dog came rushing through the house spoiling the scene. Happy Days!!
I was a choirboy at St. Chads church in the early sixties and remember well all of these streets. I lived in Whiston road and would walk to church for Sunday mass and evensong along these streets. I can remember Fellows Court being built around this time. There were many small shops dotted all around the area, Morgans dairy, Brewers sweet shop, Pintos fruit and vegetables, Nells sold confectionary and cigarettes, Phylisses, sold almost everything for household needs as well as confectionary, there was even a shop selling the school uniforms of the local schools. In Ormesby street lived a man who made his living collecting rags, scrap metal, etc. He was disabled and walked with a strange gait. Local children would torment him and he would chase them. He was known locally as “rubber dinghy”. Allthough it is sad to see the needless destruction of this community, this site has brought back such wonderfull memories of my childhood for which I thankyou.
I used to live in 34 pearson street and my aunt rose up near shap st from 1963 remembered most of these streets brings back good memories we had to moved in 1975 because they were demolishing the houses and ended up in hackney road wish thoses days would come back my uncle lived in ormsby street the good days some mothers do ave em was filmed in pearson street too
I used to live at 28 Fellows Street (1948-1957) and then moved to Laburnum Court, Whiston R0ad (1957-1974). It’s such a pity that these communities were broken up and scattered. My grandparents (name of Wright) lived at 5 Shap Street until 1954. I and the rest of my remaining family have so many fond memories of life in these streets.
Thank you so much for posting this wonderful collection of photos. Students at Haggerston school, where I teach history, have been fascinated by them. Now busy thinking about a new local history project. Would love to incorporate memories such as those posted below. Please do contact me via Haggerston School if you would would be interested in contributing to resources that we could use with students.
Third photo down shows Fellows Court on the right and behind it my school Laburnum Primary School. It was demolished in 2005. I have written up the history of the school as I did not want it to be forgotten. The history write up is in Hackney History V18 and is available at Hackney Archives, we are also having a school reunion and tour on 16/08/2014 contact me if you went to the school and want to come along. Rachel Hickes many of the Laburnum pupils (girls) went onto Haggerston School.
I was born in nichol square and looking at the old photos brings back old memories of course these buildings should be preserved including the pub where i sometimes had a drink in my younger days please save some of our heritage and old ways
I loved this except for the photograph of Weymouth Terrace.
I was born in the Terrace in 1952 and lived there until shortly before it was demolished and that photograph isn’t Weymouth Terrace.
The houses were mostly four floors (three and a basement) although there were a few shorter ones.
Great to see this photos and the information to I was born in Appleby St (my Dad delivered me).
I was the ‘baby ‘ in the film which another person has posted, Mum said she wanted the film crew out of the street and they needed a baby so handed me over lol how things change. My Nan lived in Geffrye St she worked in Kingsland road clinic and was know by many people sadly all long gone but happy days I had a GREAT childhood – Sunday school (St Chads) tin baths and outside loo !! lots of smiles
My mother Maud Ramsden was born in 1893 at 171 Kingsland Road and the family lived there for many years as they had the factory Robert Ramsden and Son who were Brewers Engineers.
We lived at 13 Fellows st during the war and after.
Every one knew each other,all the neighbours were friends,, there were the Hiscotts, Browns, Hulstroms, Baldwins, Stories,June Taylors family…My mum was an Air raid warden based in
Randal Cremer school,,, We used to sleep every night during th Air raids in a brick shelter that was built in the road
We all got married there, my mum and dad moved out when the street was demolished in the late 60s.. I have some good memories of my time there, also some old friends I have lost touch with Billy Edmonds,,Charlie Norris,ande many more
I went to the school in Laburnum Street which has been demolished along with the the old but perfectly good flats off the Haggerston. Road. These were substantial homes which just needed updating, they were so much more attractive than the ‘modern boxes’ of today. I frequently went to the Geffrye Museum where I was given a pencil and paper to draw the scenes of the time. On a recent visit with my grandchildren, I was pleased to see the old bath house has been saved. I remember my mother leaving our ‘bag wash’ ( the weeks laundry) there . My aunts and uncles lived in the dwellings at Shrubland Road . I think it’s criminal so much of the old East End has gone and step’s should be taken to preserve as much as possible of what’s left. This is our history of which my grown up grandchildren are greatly interested in – save The Marquis of Landsdown –
I wonder if anyone can help – My grandmother was a headmistress at Haggerston school in the 1940/50s, her name was Florence Mary Bray Jones. I have her log books from her time at the school and wondered if anyone knew of a museum or anywhere that would be interested in them? I also have a painting one of her students did which she treasured. thanks in advance
I used to live at 23 Fellows Street with my mum Violet Jenner and grandparents Edmund & Maud Ison until 1954. The London smog meant a move away to the country because of my grandads health so apart from occasional visits to look at all the changes and destruction, we found it too sad to keep looking at sites we felt we had no control over. 13 Pearson street was bombed, so the house where my nan was born was no longer there so Fellows street became our home. Shap street school became Randal Cremer and we all went to that school. My nan was part of the Galaway family who were silk weavers in Spitalfields. I have a photo I took at Canterbury cathedral of the Randal Cremer school journey children 1953 or 1954 to the Morwenna guest house at Broadstairs, so I wonder if anyone remembers that time.
Re Sylvia Lombardi’s post, I am not sure of the exact date but the Wright family move from Shap St to Pearson St before 1954, my family moved into 5 Shap Street around 1952, I remember we watched the Queens coronation there in 1953, my grandma lived on the opposite side of the street at number 32.When I got married my dad gave the Landlord a few quid and I got the house at number 1 Shap Street, Many happy memories of that part of East London.
Keith Martin, that photo is Weymouth Terrace, it is the part between Pearson Street and hows street, the part you are thinking of was between Pearson Street and Hackney Road.
I lived on the top floor of fellows court,(moved in in 1967) from lenthall rd which was further up Queensbridge rd. My dad took a series of photographs from the balcony of our flat, of the streets that were shap st, ormsby etc and documented the changes from houses, to debris, to a gypsy camp to a grass area and then to city farm.They are all colour slides filed away somewhere in my loft. I Was there when they pulled down/blew up a shop on the corner of pearson street for an episode of Some mothers do ave em starring Michael Crawford,i believe around 1977.
Stephen, I remember that show, I believe that the house that was used for that episode was where the Wright family used to live.
Hello everyone. I used to live at 23 Nichols Square. At first we all lived in the Basement. When I say “we”, I mean my Mum and Dad, Granddad and Grandmother and my older sister Patricia. I was born in 1944, and like some of you, I went to Randal Cremer School. My Aunt and Uncle were married at St Chad’s Church. My Grandfather was employed, or served on the local Council.
All us kids used to play cricket up against the Viaduct wall and sometimes have bike races around the Square. I left the Square when I was about 7 or 8 years old and moved to Finchley where I was adopted by my new parents. Much later in life I emigrated to Australia, but in 1992 I returned to London and of course had to visit Nichols Square. Well I was shocked beyond belief at what I saw.
Where was Nichols Square? Where where all the other streets ? I could still see St Chads but everything else had been ruthlessly demolished. I sat down on a park bench and just could not help myself from shedding more than just a few tears. How very sad ! But thanks to all of you people who have contributed to this web site. Thanks for the photos, thanks for the memories!
Lastly, if anyone can tell me how to get a copy of the DVD you mention “A Place To Go” I would very much appreciate that. All the very best to all of you.
David Alsford
I have this afternoon for the first time come across this site whilst looking for links to Randal Cremer School. To find the photographs of my beloved lost East End posted there, together with the memories of former residents etc. was absolute joy! My grandmother and family lived in Harriet Sq. which backed onto Geffrye Street and at one end, adjoined the Museum grounds. I have been searching for any old photographs of Harriet Sq. before it was ruthlessly demolished (I also attended Randal Cremer Primary School from 1948 and was also looking for an exterior photograph of that school for that time). The pictures of Cremer Street are wonderful – the one of the row of shops must have been taken from Harriet Square – but sadly no Harriet Square pictures. I had friends who lived in Shap Street, Appleby Street etc. and would love to reacquaint with them. I believe I may be related to the Andrew Pealling who has posted comments. I went to Randal Cremer with the Trendal twin girls from the pub under threat! I appreciate the comments above are from 2013 so would love some update information. I have never returned to this area since a girl, being unable to face the mindless destruction. I would dearly love copies of all the photographs posted. Is it possible to apply for them?
J Newman, I once had a friend whose last name was Newman, I cannot remember his first name but at that time he lived in Pearson Street, I lived in Geffrye Street and later moved to Shap Street, my ex wife lived in Appleby street her name was Barbara Prior. I remember well Harriet Square sad to see the old neighborhood is no more.
There has been much activity on this section recently; perhaps I could clarify some of the questions raised.
Michael McInerney, you are probably thinking of Frankie Newman who lived on Pearson Street, who had a younger brother who if I remember correctly was called Dennis. Frankie was in ‘Our Gang’ in Appleby Street when we all went to Randal Cremer. He was the best local swimmer of his generation and I think he went on to swim for England while at Secondary School. An old neighbour who I kept in touch with said his Frankie’s Mum was also an elite swimmer.
Ms J Newman, Hackney Archives are worth a visit and have a fantastic collection of local photographs. A few years back whilst doing some research I was able to get copies of the shops in Pearson Street (I can still taste Morgan’s ice cream) Appleby Street and the Rutland Arms all before demolition.
David Alsford, I would imagine that with the exception of property speculators we all share your sentiments about the destruction of the old area. The demolition of Nichols Square in particular was criminal; I would like to think that it wouldn’t be allowed today although I have my doubts as ‘Bumbling’ Boris and his mates continue to deface the City of London. Ancient buildings of character continue to be dwarfed by modern glass buildings.
The DVD ‘A Place to Go’ was readily available at a good price on Amazon but the price seems to have been hyped recently. The film, however, can be downloaded on one particular site. In addition to Appleby Street there are scenes of Old Street Magistrates Court and the factory which is featured was the old St. Luke’s Mental Home later used by the Bank of England. The demolition shown towards the end of the film was filmed elsewhere as Appleby Street was still standing when the film came out. The penultimate scene of Rita Tushingham and Mike Sarne standing by the canal was filmed outside the Crown and Manor Club, Wiltshire Row.
Many years ago I posted a picture on the soon to be dismantled Friends Reunited of the post-war Randal Cremer kids holding up an apple that were given to us by friends in the Commonweath. At least two contributors are in the picture, there could be more.
I went to Randell creamer in the sixties lived in ormsby st who remembers Charlie bloxham fruit and veg shop and sids anyone remember miss ambler teacher at Randal creamer , and swimming at haggerstone baths ?
John Munday, Yes it was Frankie Newman, thanks for that, also part of Appleby Street had been demolished before filming started, I watched the filming of the lorry being set on fire from the window of my in laws in Appleby Street, the side of the street from the ‘Rutland’ to Hows Street was demolished and the lorry scene was shot just about where my friend Roy Cox used to live.
I was born at 4 york row in 1962 and went to Randell creamer…i do remember, looking at all the old pictures all of these streets with there little corner shops that would open and close dead on time, Kerrs, bloxhams,Clutterbucks….we moved to 79 Bryant court in 1967/8 and it was great, i remember my dad with furniture on an old silver cross pram moving us bit by bit, pushing that pram backwards and forwards all weekend…..memories
Michael did you have a sister
Loved all the pictures which brought back many memories. I lived at 99 Bryant court how’s St before moving to fellows ct creamer St ,
Avril Towell (nee Jenner) I remember you clearly. I lived opposite you in Fellows Street, No 28. I also remember the school trip to Broadstairs (1955). My maiden name was Hustwayte.
Michael McInerney, you are right of course. My grandparents and aunt moved from 5 Shap St in 1952. They moved to Leytonstone to live with another of my aunt’s who had just married. I used to live in Fellows Street but moved to Laburnum Court with my parents in 1957. We thought the flats were lovely then, but we’re very glad to leave in 1974. My best memories of the area are when we lived in Fellows Street and all the family were fairly close by. Happy days.
Pat Kelsey, yes I do have a sister, her name is Doris Nottage, she is still living in Loughton,Essex.
Sylvia, I think we were all that much happier when our families lived closer together, nowadays most families live so far apart the only contact is an occasion visit or by mail, sad really.
I wonder if anyone knew a Margaret Simms (who became Margaret Watkinson upon her marriage) who lived with her family in Shap Street and moved with her husband Tony to Peterborough around l965/6 ? I would be extremely grateful if anyone has any contact with this lady or knows how I might contact her.
Also, if you are out there Andrew Pealling, did you have a brother named Michael and a sister, Thelma, and your father was named Reginald Pealling?
Did anyone else begin their formal education at Randal Cremer in 1948 ?
All good wishes to fellow lovers of historic architecture and of “good times gone by”.
I lived at 9 Nichols sq , until they pulled them down , unbelievable , it was such a beautiful sq , we knew everyone , I had my childhood there , sad
Hi Ken bartle,
My grandparents the coulsons lived at 2 York
Row! I can remember the bartles,Mrs Long,
The spinks. Critsas, there name was coulson
It was the first house, she was always
Cleaning her step with red oaker!!
I was born in 1932 and lived at 88 Nichols Square until I married in 1956 and moved into two semi-basement rooms in no 1 Weymouth Terrace .We later moved back to 54 Nichols Square into two upstairs rooms plus the attic and stayed there until we were moved out before they were demolished.b
I thoroughly enjoyed reading all the posts and particularly enjoyed the images. My ancestors, Robert John Lincoln and wife Caroline and two children, Caroline and Albert were in Great Catherine St in the 1871 census, when many of the streets had already been built I assume. Robert John was a shoemaker and they had all been born in Norfolk. I am trying to find an image of Gt Cambridge St so if someone knows of any collections of early images or any descriptions of the Cambridge St. area within a decade or two of 1871, I would be very grateful for a link perhaps. Many thanks
What a wonderful site and such lovely comments from you all. Im a young’un. My parents moved to Fellows court in/around 1967 when the tower blocks went up. I remember Laburnum Street school as it was my primary school. Moved away but then back to Bryant Court in Whiston Road where my children went to Randall Cremer. Sure miss the place as it was a lovely area full of kind people.
We lived in Queensbridge Road before moving to Scriven Street and finally on to Hebdon Court in Whiston Road. I went to Edith Cavell infants and Secondary school as well as St Pauls primary school. I also remember the Mike Sarne film I believe at some stage during the filming a scene was shot where they blew up a van
Lived 65 ormsby st,from birth 1966 to 1976/77,when we had to move out because of the demolition.Went to Randel Cremer,nan and grandad lived Geffrye st.Seeing the pictures of my home brought back many happy memories.
I was born upstairs at 32 Nichols Square in 1950. I think it is the first house on the right in the fourth picture above: the one with the pram in front. My sister thinks maybe the date on that picture is wrong, and that’s my pram. Hmm.. Anyway, there was one house between ours and the alley by St. Chad’s. My initials, and those of many other kids, are still etched into the brickwork at the end of the church… well, we were kids and it was over half a century ago now.
The house on the other side of us was a doctors’ surgery: two Indian brothers, H.H. Fyzee and A.H. Fyzee. Couldn’t tell them apart. They let their back garden go wild. They said it reminded them of the jungle back home in India. My grandmother, an old Music Hall and Panto artist, (stage name, Kitty Curtis) grew runner beans over the adjoining wall. The doctors claimed that the beans on their side were their’s. Grandma did not agree.
I recall one of the Fyzees using natural remedies on me for a wart, (got it at Haggerston Baths, I bet 8-))
At the entrance to the Square was a grass triangle with two trees on it where we sometimes played. We called it “The Triangle.” It was gone last time I was in London, but one of the trees remains. I recall, too, the old building with Baron Nichol’s coat of arms above the door. You’d think they could have left that.
And cricket up against the viaduct wall… we just called it “The Wall.” And yes, sculleries, coal ‘oles, and outside loos: Ours had a grapevine growing over it. It had tiny bunches of grapes every year, but of course, they never ripened. Grandma would crush them anyway and call it wine. Oh my gosh, the stuff was sour!
I went to Randall Cremer, too. They taught us Morris dancing. Eight at a time: six dancers, the Horse, and the Fool. Guess who danced the Fool.
When they pulled the Square down, we were moved north to a flat in Angrave Court on Scriven Street. That is still there, with so many of my memories. I explored Haggerston this spring. Odd how the buildings and streets are so solid in the memory, and yet the structures themselves are no longer there to be found.
Unfortunately, I don’t recall too many names. But there was Peter Savage and Terry Gardiner from Nichols Square, Jessie Rowley from Randal Cremer (good goalie), and from Haggerston, Vicky Jacks.
I have been researching my Fuller, Walter, Jones, Brimblecombe and Beck families. I have found their English census dating from 1841 right through to 1911, living in Rutland, Shap, Pearson, Weymouth Terrace and Highland Roads. I have even found my Uncle Walter Fuller’s admission to Shap Street School in April 1880. My GG grandfather was a cabinet maker living in Rutland Street. I was fascinated to read the description of this furniture making area. I am in London visiting Abney Park Cemetery, Hackney Library Archives, churches in the area and generally roaming the streets where my forebears used to live, and so dismayed that so little of this rich panoply of life now exists. However the precious photos have been, and such a salve to helping me find my past. My ancestors it seems, were good law abiding folk and I am thankful they diligently baptised and married in the churches in the area, particularly St Leonards, Shoreditch, St Mary’s Haggerstone, and St Lukes, Old Street. My family migrated to Australia and now so many years later our extended family in Sydney is enjoying my delving into the streets of London, in an effort to find out who we are, and who we were! My chapter on the Fullers of Shoreditch is still DRAFT only, and for me, it has been the most fascinating journey into the past. Thanks to everyone for posting these wonderful comments and interesting photos. http://www.relativesmatter.com
Hello Virginia. I once knew one of your Brimblecombe relatives who lived at 17 Pearson Street. When I was a child in London, during the 1950s Arthur Brimblecombe used to make clothes for me and was known as a high class tailor. My mother used to help and clean for him and when we left London in 1955 because the London smog (thick fog) was making my grandfather ill, he gave us a large bookcase with many books. My family had lived at 13 Pearson Street since the 1880s and when my mum & aunt were young they used to play with the Brimblecombes daughter (possibly Ellen?). 13 Pearson Street was bombed and so my family moved to a house in one of the nearby street, but were still friends with the Brimblecombes. He was a lovely quiet man who was bent over from all the years working in the basement of the house. I hope this is of interest and others may be able to add more information to your ancestry. Avril
Hello again Virginia Rundle. Just to add a little more information about where your ancestors have lived, if you look at the blog for January 24 2013 Tony Hall’s East End Panoramas there is a photo which shows a distant shot of 17 & 19 Pearson street as I remember it. There are many photos here of the streets that have disappeared, but one that shows the school house on the corner of Ormsby Street with the railway bridge behind also has the 2 remaining houses on the opposite corner of Ormsby street. The corner house was Jarvis’s shop and the next is the Brimblecombe house. If you count back from his last photo it’s the sixteenth one with a lorry in front of the school house. Good luck with your research. Avril
Hello Avril
Thanks so much for this information. I only just saw your replies and I really appreciate your
answers. I actually went to Pearson Street and Weymouth Terrace. Not much left there today but the photos are fabulous in this blog. How shocking that your home was bombed in the blitz. Hard to imagine how everyone coped, it must have been a terrible time. Virginia
I was Margaret(Peggy) Holmes and lived at 28 Hebden court from 1951. I went to Randell Cremer school, then Edith Cavell Central school in Hackney Road,
It saddens me that so much of the dwellings that I remember are being demolished. I used to spend a lot of time at Jeffrrey Museum when I was a child.
Does anyone remember the Salmon family living at hebden court? Or the Thompson family at Howe St?
I used to go to Nichol Square quite a bit and always admired the houses. Also Shap St where the Phelps family lived.
Happy memories!!
Hi Margaret, I lived at 33 Hebden Court and your name seems to ring a bell. I remember Mr. and Mrs. Salmon. My parents Reg and Dolly went on holiday to Yarmouth with them when I was young which was great for me as Raymond their son was my friend. They lived on the ground floor and we were on the top floor.
38 Pearson Street, Shoreditch was my Paternal Grandmothers Ellen Berry nee Doyle home.
She is listed living there on 1901 census until she died 2 March 1949.
Initially she was with her husband Frances Henry (William) Herbert Berry but for some reason separated from him leaving her there on her own.
Her 4 children were born there I think Ellen Violet B 1903 D 1924, Frank William B 1901 D1983, Ada B1905 D 1956, Albert (My Father) B 1906 D 1997 & George Samuel B1910 D 1978.
If any one has knowledge of this family I should be interested to hear from you?
Hi Andrew,
I remember you, your elder sister Thelma and elder brother Michael, together with your parents, Uncle Reg. and Aunt Dolly. You also had an Uncle Roy and Aunt Olive and Uncle Kenny, I believe. I remember you living in a flat in Hebden Court when another of your uncles had the builders’ merchants and yard on the corner of Howe Street, T.W. Wilson and Co. Am I correct?
If so, we are related. Never knew you were a choirboy at St. Chad’s though !!!!
Regards,
JN
Hi Andrew Pealling,
Are you the younger brother of Thelma and Michael who lived in Hebden Ct. near Howe Street Shoreditch ? I think we are related, if so.
J Newman
I love these photos but I’m sad not to see any of Dunloe Street among them. My family lived there from the late 1800’s to when it was demolished.
J.Newman, Intrigued to know how we are related. The details of my family are correct. Look forward to your reply. Regards Andrew.
I am researching my mother’s family (name of Sayer) who lived in 10 Talavera Place (just by the canal) until it was demolished. Does anyone have any knowledge of the Sayer’s and or photographs of Talavera Place?
Hi Andrew,
Would appreciate being able to e-mail with you directly. Not terribly conversant with how one might go about this! Believe we are cousins.
JN
Did any participants on this site attend Randal Cremer School from 1948 ? And do they have any photographs relating to this attendance, please ?
JN
Hello J. Newman, I have no e-mail address but you can contact me on my wifes address which is janpealling@aol.com
My friend in who lives in Stoke Newington drew my attention to your site knowing that I had grown up in Haggerston I grew up in Godwin House, Thurtle Road, Haggerston, which was Haggerston Road until flats we built across it at Laburnam St. Many happy school holiday hours spent a the Haggie Baths as us kids called them. I went to School at Laburnam Street School and not many people in the late sixty early seventy age would not remember Mr Davidson headmaster, Miss Wicks, Mr McCathy, and Miss Robinson, and collecting the milk at the school keepers house over in the corner of the playground. So many memories are springing to mind of places and people I knew as I sit in my home for the last 52 years in Victoria Australia. Thank once again for the beautiful trip down memory lane.
Having been researching my family history, it seems my 2 x great grandmother, Caroline Gannon lived at 18 Shap Street in 1916, before marrying her second husband Robert Paul, who lived at number 14 (they were both widowed).
I would love to hear from anyone who remembers her, or any of her children, my great grandmother Ellen Gannon would have been 18 in 1916, and she had at least two older sisters, Mary Ann and Margaret and two younger half sisters, Elizabeth and Caroline who would have been 7 and 5.
My dear Grandad, Ellen’s son, born 1926, remembers an Auntie Billie from his childhood, but she remains a mystery… if anyone could shed some light I’d be eternally grateful!
Caroline and Robert left Shap Street in 1918, but anyone who knew them may remember him as one of the carmen who discovered the body of Jack the Ripper’s ‘first’ victim, Mary Ann Nichols in 1888 – I’m sure he had stories to tell about that!
I look forward to hearing any information you may have!
Many thanks!
My daughter is researching our family tree and has found evidence of my great Grandmother and her family living in Loanda Street, Haggerston. They were Corneys, Storeys and Stepneys. Haven’t seen Loanda Street mentioned above, anyone know anything of it?
Mr.John Munday, may I ask what years you attended Randal Cremer Primary School and thereafter, which school you moved to ?
Many thanks,
JN
J Newman
Left Randal Cremer in 1954 for Shoreditch Central. Did I leave some plimsolls in a locker (the ones that had a white number on the side) or have I won a prize?
Mr. Munday, do you remember a boy with the surname Venables, or a Freddie Isaacs who was particularly good in the art class? What about Margaret Simms from Shap Street? She also went on from R.Cremer to Shoreditch Central. Does Shoreditch Central still exist in Hoxton Street? an you remember anyone who went from R. Cremer to shoreditch Central at the same time as yourself?
JN
I left London many years ago but retain contact with the old area. I am the Archivist/Historian for the Crown and Manor Club Hoxton. The club has a website and if you send your email address to the club manager, Frank Shillingford he will pass it on and I will make contact. I can probably answer all your questions, I knew Freddie well and we were both members of the club.
A fascinating read – especially all the comments from people who lived and loved there. I run a charity in the community garden that now blooms from the foundations of your homes!
Please feel free to drop in and visit – there are still so many changes happening in the area, coupled with your thoughts and memories has laid an acorn of an idea in my head to celebrate this rich & ever changing (for good and bad) area.
A feel an old east end knees up coming on – do you feel like joining?
Paula Yassine : it’s lovely to read about the garden that has been created on the site where the terraces once stood. As a child living in Fellows Street, our nearest green space was the grass in front of the Geffrye museum and their present garden near the Hoxton station was once a swing park where we could play. More greenery has been created where houses once stood and hopefully it stays green! Keep up the good work.
does anyone
remember miss Smith my infants teacher I had miss ambler in juniors
Dad Eric was the son of Harry Whiteman who was the foreman in little french polishers on or near Hows St where they lived, he remembers the Viaduct and a Convent next to a pub, also near the St Chad’s Church, he remembers a close knit community and surrounded by family. He remembers the pub was hit but the convent was unscathed
I was born in 1963 and I lived at 6 York Row for the first fours years of my life. My brother is eleven years older than me and he went to Randell Cremer then on to Edith Cavell. I went to Haggeston School for girls as my senior school and clearly remember standing watching the ‘Some mothers do ave em’ demolition scene from a grass verge that faced the house used. My Mum has passed on now but she would often talk about good memories she had from the street, I’m sure she said Mr Spinks was our next door neighbour and Patsy Castleman is another name that comes to mind.
I am sorry but I can’t remember the family name but my mum also helped deliver a baby in York Row.
I lived at 58 Scawfell St, and went to Randal Cremer, in 1954 i
I went to Randal Cremer until 1955 and recall the Mundays, Wells, Pughs and many more.
I went to Randal Cremer until 1955, nursery head Mrs.Hampton, then juniors head Miss.Morris. I was great friends of Mr.Collett and his family. Always remember him ringing the big bell everyday.Sometimes calling in SIDS the barbers. I went on to Shoreditch Central where we had to line up each morning for uniform ,inspection headmaster Mr.Macall. Pie n mash at Fortunes pie n mash shop in Hoxton (out of bounds of course) . The shops in Pearson St. Poveys butchers, Appesellers cobblers, Steads grocers, Plasters outfitters, Brewers sweetshop, Taffy’s ice blocks. My mates Tony Bradley, Colin Barker, Ronnie Sambridge, Ronnie Webb. And the families. Webbs, Nortons, Speeds, Spinks, Moss, Noble, Crows, Savage, Simms, Pringle, Many happy days and memories upto 1966. PS. The head boy at Shoreditch Central was Albert Crow my neighbour in Scawfell Street.
Albert Parker I was at Randal Cremer school at the same time as you ( Avril Jenner then). Did you go on the school journey to Broadstairs where we visited Canterbury Cathedral? I took a photo of the group and wonder if you were amongst them. If so, then if I am allowed to put my email address on this comment, please let me know and I can then send you a copy. I lived in Fellows Street and my nan and mum also went to Randal Cremer ( started as Shap street school ) My email is avriltowell@aol.com.
Hello Avril I remember the Jenners, and Valerie King, Dereck Horne, Dorothy Phelps, never got on any trips. Myself and two others installed the gardens in the playgrounds tho. My mum used to tell me she went to Shap st. And her teacher was Miss De-Moira. I will look for some photos. Mr. Collett the caretaker and his wife were great friends of mine and we went all over the country. Do you remember her taking all the tops off the little bottles of milk each day?
Carol bristow
I went to Randall creamer with your brother jimmy could you tell him hello from me thanks
As of 2018 the former Marquis of Lansdowne pub on Cremer Street is being converted and extended into a café with flats above and it will not be demolished (planning has been approved and works will commence). There will be no concrete block. Well done as your influence must’ve helped save it!
My family lived in Dunloe street, the Burns family. I was born at number 56 and went to Randel cremer school about 1968 to 73. my mum was called Nancy she had 8 children. I am wondering if anyone knows any websites that have any old pictures of Dunloe street please. 🙂 or remembers my family.
Hi everyone , it’s fantastic to read all about all your memories of our old area . I lived at 72 Weymouth terrace and went to Randell Cremer school in 1948 and then Scawfell Street school till 1958. I remember John Mundy and Frankie Newman and of course many other great people. Moved to Samuel House on the other side of the canal, when they demolished our street. It’s was so sad to lose that community. Best wishes to you all, take care of yourselves. P.S. A message to John Mundy. I love to hear from . All the best.
Hi Jackie (nee Burns!) I used to live at 511 fellows court with my sister Maria, brother Gary who was your brother Roddyys friend. Toddy was my ‘first’ boyfriend and I think it was him who ripped open his arm on the corrugated iron outside your house and the fellows court ‘football pitch’ which was a pile of rubble at the time. God I miss those days. Xx
Hi everyone who lived in Nichols square and the surrounding streets I’ve read most of the posts about this great old area that used to be as I said before I was born at number 2 Nichols square and moved to the new development in Livermore st in haggesston I also went to Randall creamer school there was a girl there called pat mears who I fancied she had a sister called Jenifer does anyone remember my old pals from the sq Barry and Brian Liman, Alan Castleman ,and the Romero’s who owned the cafe on the corner and it is criminal to see how the old area has changed I live in Essex now but still work in that area anyway must go now but would like to hear from anyone from them times best wishes John
It was nice to read Martin Palmers post from a couple of years ago I hope he reads this and gets in touch Barry wants to know if he ever got that MGmidget going
Just read Maureen Gardeners 2013 post.
My father (Tom Berry) was born at 47 Great Cambridge Street in 1917, next door to where your Great Grandmother was born. My Grandfather, James Berry, was a woodcarver which seems to have been quite a common occupation in this area. My Grandmother’s maiden name was Ellen Merrill.
Does any of Great Cambridge Street exist? I will need to look at an old map if I can find one.
In response to John Longcroft’s message: Hi John, it has been such a long time, but the names Barry Liman and Alan Castleman do seem familiar. Please let Barry know that I did, indeed, get the MG Midget going again. I dismantled the engine completely in my bedroom on the 8th floor of Angrave Court in Scriven Street, which is where they moved us to, in order to demolish Nichols Square. I have a picture of the car with me sitting on it, if Barry would like a copy. My email is acgt64@gmail.com.
And Romero’s cafe: my sister Babs had a fling with the son of the owner. I think his nickname was Romeo. I can’t recall his real name. Babs now lives in Burnham-on-Crouch.
And in response to Karen: I recall there was a convent somewhere not far from St. Chads, but I cannot recall where exactly. In truth, I am more interested in the whereabouts of the pub that you mention. Do you know where it was?
Hi….I’m intrigued to know whether Jenny Lofty was the same Jennifer Jeffries that lived next door but one to us in Pownall Road….if so I’ve got some pics of you and I and also your Mum & Dads wedding (Rene & Harry ?) as I think I recall my Mum Marjorie telling me that my Dad (George) was best man at their wedding. I was born at 48 Pownall Road and we were moved to Bryant Court, How’s Street in late 50’s when Pownall Road was demolished…. I went to St Pauls Infants & Juniors and then on to Kingsland Central which, when amalgamated with Queensbridge, became Edith Cavell ……this is where I met and married my husband Alan (not whilst at school !!!) but in 1966. We were married in All Saints Haggerston…..and are still married ……as we always say ‘God loves tryers’. There’s a few names I recognise from previous posts… I may not have known them personally but possibly from my brother Ray..or my Dad George. My Dad was born in Hoxton and I loved to hear all his stories of growing up. He had a wonderful singing voice and during the 50/60s and possibly the 70’s was known around the Haggerston area as he was the regular singer in a couple of pubs . One was the Prince Earnest in Scriven St? and the other one was The Brownlow Arms in Lee Street…..both now demolished. The landlords in the Brownlow were Ted & Vi (Canall)? I could write for ever about my childhood years and both Alan and I always say how very lucky we both were to have had such happy memories of our formative years……hope that both our sons and their families will be able to say the same when they’re in their 70’s.
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To Jackiemathews nee burns I remember your family well you live round the corner to me and my family your mum and my mum were mates we lived at 4 ormsby street
Hi everyone, I’m researching my family history and know my great, great grandmother Emma Alice Taylor was born and lived for a time in Brunswick Street. Can anyone point me in the direction of where I can find old photos of the street and area, other than on the internet – I’d like to buy copies. Many thanks Lisa
Used to live at 96 Nichol Square with mum Kit & dad Bill, sisters Iris & Frances, brothers George & Peter. Moved to Scriven Court, Livermore Road when the Square came under compulsory purchase. I also went to Randal Cremer school and was there from 1951 to 1957 then went to Shoreditch Central. This web site has really brought back childhood memories..
Really enjoyed reading people’s comments.
Hello Margeret, You must be the Margaret we used to hang around with in Appleby st, do you remember Annie Norton & Brenda Pugh (who I married) and her cousin up the street Ronnie Webb? I went to Randal Cremer and Shoreditch Central about the same time as you. Great times, the Pughs moved to Angrave Court.
I lived at 39 ,Pearson street from my birth in 1936 until I married in 1960.my father was Sid the barber.My wife and I opened our ladies hairdressing salon[Harold Irving] at 156 Kingsland road in 1961,We were there for 7 years until the council slammed a compulsory order on the property and pulled it down to build flats.
We visited 2 weeks ago and were very depressed by what we saw,39 ,Pearson street is now part of Randell Cremer’s[where I went to school] playground.
Not always good to go back.Memories are better.
Loved the pictures on this particular visit to the East End past and the bit of write up on Ian Nairn in 1966 the Architectural Critic of the time about pulling down all those houses and moving all those people away from there neghbours and friends relations Etc very sad times for some including me at the time,never saw anymore of the children that we grew up with,he summed it up correctly
hi this is a long shot, but does anyone know of a site where people are from the Waterson st area?… as my mum lived in that area when she was little 1948, her aunt ran the pub Duke of Clarence just wondered if there were any photos or memories that people had?… im just trying all different sites and came across yours!… ur memories are great!…. if anyone knows of anywhere it would be greatly appreciated .
Hello,
Just come cross this interesting site. My Mother, Rebecca Botterell was born at 12, Shap Street in 1911 and later the family moved to No. 3 Essex Place off Hackney Road. Although I was born at her sisters house in Enfield we actually lived at No. 43 Holmes Street and I was a pupil at Sebrite School in Audrey Street – I can vividly remember the rocking horse in the play room . I was also a Cub scout at St Augustine’s church in York Street the same street where my grandmother (my mothers mother) was living.
Like others on here, I have been back to walk the area and reminisce about the old places. Holmes Street is now under the park but, if I stand where I am sure our house was, I’m certain I can still hear those long forgotten sounds from the Saw mill opposite.
Just realised that my school was Sebright School and that York Street should have been Yorkton Street. – Sorry.
Hi Marion I do remember you and your family , I only just found your message by mistake . I would love to hear from you .xx
My mother was born at 28 pearson street 1922 she went to shap street school I have a few photo’s one of her on her own and one of her class in the play ground .
My great grandfather Henry John Barrett lived at 58 Laburnum Street. I am trying to find out information about his siblings (if he had any) and his parents. He was a student at Shap Street school. This was all in 1902. I know it is a long shot but if anyone has anything that may be of use I would appreciate it
Hi Carol
I have seen this family in the 1901 Census .
I can’t send any screenshots of the census here.
Do you want to send me your email address and I can send you what I found.
I am looking for Nancy Street Haggerston .Parish of St Andrew.
It doesn’t show on current maps – so i think the street has been demolished or was maybe destroyed in the war ?
I lived on boston street when the prefab was there in the 70’s. Now the Hackney city farm
Can I just say thank you for publishing these photographs. On researching my family history, I have discovered that my great grandmother was born in number 30 Nichols Square. To have a glimpse of the now demolished housing has been fascinating. Thank you.
It must be gratifying for GA as well as us readers to see how this post of 2013 is still attracting comments.
If I may add another, the 1947 film Odd Man Out gives a further opportunity to view lost streets of Haggerston. The district was used to cover for Belfast locations.
Reelstreets gives a good selection of screenshots from the film:
https://www.reelstreets.com/films/odd-man-out/
In one of the street scenes a gang of boys is playing football on a WWII demolition site. The shouts of the players are authentic in their Northern Ireland accents but the location is between Whiston Road and Dove Row.
A recently identified (with thanks to William Palin) screenshot gives a rare view of St Saviour’s Church (Penn Street) with its unique rose window.
The film’s action features WWII street-level bomb shelters in several locations including Moye Street. But two shelters shown in Whiston Road must surely be props as they move around and even disappear between camera shots.
I hope the following list of the film’s Haggerston locations currently identified is useful for those who are seeking images relating to their family histories:
Blanchard Place
Blanchard Road
Blanchard Street
Bridport Place
Broadway Market
Dorchester Road
Dove Row
Lansdowne Drive
Moye Street
Nicholl Street
Whiston Road
Wilman Grove
and these identifiable buildings:
The Crown Public House
St Saviour’s Church
Sebright Primary School
I’m not a Haggerstonian myself but have found this post and the film fascinating in their captures of lost London.
Pimlico Pete
My father recently passed away, he lived in(63?) Appleby Street in the early 1940’s, went to Randel Creamer and i think Queensbridge school (we lived in lower clapton for many years) his grandparents also lived in Appleby Street.
I am looking for any old photos of the street as to scatter some of his remains near to his old house, or if anybody could direct me to photos or film that i could view as to where the house was.
No matter where we lived in the country” You can take the boy from Hoxton, but you cant take Hoxton from the boy”
I will leave my E-mail address (if the moderator allows) cubby1@gmail.com
This is a very long shot, rarely does these things happen, but i must try
Kind Regards
Roy Fitch
Does anybody remember the Queensbridge School part of the lower school of Edith Cavell Comprehensive and the Upper school was situated behind the Old Metropolitan Hospital in Kingsland road?
I was there between 1959 and 1966.
Mrs. V E Boden Tebbutt was the headmistress.
Anybody remember any other teachers?
Dear Mr Stan Newens (history) still lives in Harlow and will be 91 this coming February. He was elected MP for Epping later with boundary changes for Harlow and later MEP for Central London.
The late Mr Illtyd Harrington English) elected Deputy Leader of the Greater london Council.
Do add to this if you will and kindly by all means drop me an email to let me know of your memories, please.
JR.
Please add my email address to the above message about Edith Cavell Comprehensive School as I was a pupil there between 1959 and 1966.
jayrlondon@yahoo.com
Many thanks.
JR
I was a pupil at Edith Cavell 1963 till 1967 Mrs Boden-Tebbutt retired while I was there and Mr Hase took over. I worked with his wife in later years Mrs Shirley Hase she was also a head teacher. I remember a Mr MalletMr Feiner as well as Mr Newens and Mr Harrington.I remember in assembly one morning Mrs Bowden-Tebbutt telling us Mr Newens will be away for a while fighting in the general election. But he will be back. PS Jimmy Bristow was in my class we met up a few years ago . My primary school was London Fields and I lived in Duncan House Sheep Lane
Me aged3 hand oñ a dog photo
Search on Google for G0GEB my Ham call for my info
Hi All,
I am tracing our family and they lived in Nichols Square at 86, 53, 87, 73 and No 3 for decades – I was wondering if anyone had any family stories that involved members of the Reid Family?
Thanks for your consideration.
Sam
I have just read a wonderful novel, Still Life by Sarah Winman. I then listened to a podcast by the author in which she said the London sections of the book are set in Old Haggerston around the square.
Such a pity this part of London has been treated so badly by town planners.
Just wondering if anyone remembers my mum & dad.
Mum is Marge/Madge/Margie Walsh married to Tom/Tommy.
They lived in Shap street until 1977, then got moved out of the east end as Shap st was to be demolished. They had 5 kids then. Mum often tells stories which include many of the streets named.
Kelly Walsh. You may find people who once lived in Shap Street up to the 1970s on the Randal Cremer Facebook site. Most of the local children went to this school that has been a there since the 1870s. I found lots of people after joining and many lived in Shap street. My Nan mum and I went there and joining the Facebook site has been a mine of information. The memories some of its members have recalling names from the past will amaze you. Good luck
I have so enjoyed reading everyone’s comments. My grandparents Alfred and Elsie Griffiths lived in Nichols Square along with my mum and dad in the early 50’s although I don’t know what number. My dad went to Randall Cremer School and I have a photo taken in 1946 of him with all his class mates. My mum and dad got married in St Chads and we also lived in Fellows Court until 1972.
My name is tina and my brother is called tony venables we lived at 6 ormsby st and went to randle creamer school in the late sixties until 1971 when we moved to bromley kent fond times does anybody remember us or the venables family my nan elsie lived in hows st i know that they had a bad name and i think they might of done some bad things any info good or bad its a start
I went to Randal Cremer with Terry Venables of How St. his family was ok no better or worse than the rest of us. Times were rough then you must remember and not like it is now.
Thanks Albert Terry joined the army and made good , my Dad was a bus conducter for years until he had to nurse my dieing mum , hes been dead 4 years now , i know they was a tight knitted family but my anties and uncles wont talk about there past Alan his other brother lives in spain has done for donkeys years so no contact there. I come to my roots about twice a year and have shown all my grandchildren my many haunts as a child and have told them many funny stories ,its changed so much. I ust to love coming back for my bargins down hoxton and ridley what happened !
My dad James Lock was born 72 Nichol Square in 1932 by Francis & Albert along with his three sisters. He lived there throughout the war ( except for evacuation) until Early 50′. He went to Randal Cremer school and then on to the Parmiters Grammar. School for Boys
Would love to find anyone who has any recollection of my Farther and his family. I know it’s a long shot as it long time ago. But no harm in asking
London history – always fasinating. My great grandmother born in Haggerston (Dagley) 1875.
A great read. Thank you
My grandfather Albert Edward Panther resided in Loanda St Haggerston from 1895-1920.He then moved to Hilcot St Shoreditch in 1920.Would be grateful on any information about these homes(if they are still there).I was born and am in Australia and such a fascinating read about this area of London.Thankyou!
Hallo all.
For Margaret (Savage): I have a photo taken in Nichols Square in the 50’s 0r 60’s. It includes you, Gloria (and Beryl?) Tiffin, and June Mills. I can email you a copy if you wish. My address is acgt64@gmail.com. There are a couple of other photos, too. I was a friend of your brother, Peter. We may have parted company on not-so-good terms. Perhaps my fault, more than his. My much-belated apologies to Peter if he is still with us.
For Harold (Schechner): I recall being taken to Sid the Barber as a boy, but for the life of me I cannot remember where it was!
And Tina (Wallace): I, too, recall the name Terry Venables. But, sadly, the name is all.
Hello Martin, I used to go to Sids as a boy on my way to Randal Cremer school, his shop was on. the corner of Shap st. and Pearson st. right by the school. Margaret Savage was friends with us and Annie Norton and Brenda Pugh whose dad had the butchers shop in Weymouth Terrace.
Thanks Albert,
On the old map I am looking at it shows another school on Dunloe Street opposite St. Chads Church. I have no memory of this! Do you? If you do, do you recall the name of the school?
hello Martin, as far as I know that school you mention was turned into a furniture factory in the fifties, and we always knew it as ‘the factory’, you could always smell polish as you passed by.
Albert Parker you remembered the furniture work shop at the bottom of Fellows steeet where I lived. There was not a lot of activity heard from this building when I used to play in the street or skate around the corner of Dunloe street. Old maps marked it as a Methodist school before but I never saw the door open to see inside. St Chads is still there and Randal Cremer school but I’m afraid the planners after the war just wanted to wipe out the family houses and replace them with their ideas of progressive development. So sad.
Thank you, Albert. I was born in 1950, so perhaps the school disappeared before I was old enough to remember it.
My grandparents Jim and Lou Major lived at 4 Pearson Street from 1930 and my uncle Len was born there in 1931. My father’s name was also Jimmy Major and he went to Shap Street school during the 1930s. I still have his swimming certificates dated 1935! My grandad Jim Major worked for the railways from 1920 to 1965, driving a steam engine from Liverpool Street station. 4 Pearson Street was opposite York Row and I remember playing with the children along the Row when I was a child in 1960. Does anyone remember my grandma Lou or my grandad Jim Major? Or my father Jimmy or my uncle Len Major from the 1930s and 1940s?
Not the Nichol Sq I Knew and that family lived in for 60 years
Thanks for these photos. I was looking for Harwar Street as my Nana grew up in number 36 where her Dad ran a fried fish shop. They lived there in 1881 and 1891 and she went to Shap Street School. I was excited and disappointed at the same time when I visited the Museum of the Home to discover Cremer Street (formerly Harwar Street as I understand it) but not much to see…
I’ve been doing more research into my family, the Majors who lived at 4 Pearson Street. My uncle Len married Annie Drysdale whose family lived at 18 York Row. They were married in 1953 at St Chad’s. Does anyone remember the Drysdales? My aunt and uncle and their son, Peter Major, lived in 2 rooms on the top floor at 4 Pearson Street until the 1960s when they were rehoused in a high rise flat in Pownall Road. Peter was born there and went to Randall Cremer school until 1966.
This thread has been fascinating! I, like many others it seems, have been looking into family history. My grandfather grew up at 47 Fellowes Street (some references to an E, some without!) With his mother and siblings. He was Christopher Munday with a twin Patricia Munday. Sadly, my family have pretty much all passed on and I’ve only traced 3 of my Grandfather’s 4 siblings, Eileen, Leonard and Pat. His mother was Winnie Munday née Malloy if anyone has any memories of the family? If so does anyone know any details of the other siblings?
Many many thanks
Andy
Re Nichols square, i have put some old photos on. …east end of London site if anyone is interested.. i also put on a Randal Cremer photo that has Alan Venables in it..
Well goodness me, what a fascinating read all of the comments have made! I, like many others, have been delving into my past and researching the family history. Many of my relatives came from the East End, both my parents were born there, as were my maternal grandparents and great grandparents. I have discovered from a marriage certificate dated 1931 that my grandfather William John Roberts was living at that time with his parents, Thomas and Louisa Roberts, at 28 Fellows Street. My grandmother Lucy Sophia Amelia Field was living at 4 Pearson Street, with her parents Margaret and William Field. My grandparents were married at St Mary’s Church, Haggerston. I’m looking forward to doing more research and have enjoyed looking at so many old photographs and reading stories about people who lived and worked in that area. Thank you all so much!
Its fascinating that Tracey Shafe’s grandmother lived at 4 Pearson Street, but she hasn’t given an approximate year. From the 1921 census I know that my relatives, the Steggles, lived there. My father’s 2 aunts had married 2 brothers, and the 2 sets of parents and children were all living at 4 Pearson Street, crammed into the same house together.
My grandmother Lou also lived there in 1921 so there were a total of 5 adults and 8 children all living in 6 habitable rooms plus the cellar kitchen. By 1930 my grandmother Lou and her husband Jim Major had taken over the tenancy and remained there until 1980.
The house had never been modernised and still had an outside toilet in the rear yard and no running hot water. My grandmother was eventually rehoused in a flat when she couldn’t carry coal up 2 flights of stairs from the coal cellar any more.
My Dad attended Scawfell Street School from 1921-28. The headmaster was B Abbott and his class teacher ? L Stevens. I wonder if anyone has a picture of the school please?
Thank you
I first discovered this site about 10 yrs ago researching the Pearson Street area. We bought 4 Pearson St back in 2001. Moving in our neighbours gave us a copy of an old census of the 2-16 row listing people living in each house. Returning to this site it’s wonderful to see posts about families living in the house. Property up…we still have and use the outside toilet, wooden internal wall in the top floor bedroom, internal walls and chimneys in place, lower g/floor wood block/tar floor continues to keep the damp out. Until most of our neighbours we have attempted to preserve the original house. We know our neighbours, both sides of the street, many of whom have lived in the area since the 30s and 40s. We (residents) campaigned for trees to be planted and open our doors to elderly neighbours to join us for Xmas dinner.
The east end hasn’t died (yet) folk still look out for each other, wash their own windows and front door step (me). Shame about Hackneys decision to put wheelie bins outside each house, not convinced this would be done in Islington or Chelsea! The houses are perfect but are lovely homes. When you look at the old neighbourhood pictures, it makes you thankful they didn’t bulldoze the lot.