Metropolitan Borough of Southwark

London - Pax Britannica -VAL- London Borough of Southwark -LPB- Metropolitan Borough of Camberwell -LPB- Metropolitan Borough of Lambeth

The London Borough of Southwark in south London forms part of Inner London and is connected by bridges across the River Thames to the City of London. It was created in 1965 when three smaller council areas amalgamated under the London Government Act 1963. All districts of the area are within the London postal district. It is governed by Southwark London Borough Council.

The part of the South Bank within the borough is home to London Bridge terminus station and the attractions of The Shard, Tate Modern, Shakespeare's Globe and Borough Market that are the largest of the venues in Southwark to draw domestic and international tourism. Dulwich is home to the Dulwich Picture Gallery and the Imperial War Museum is in Elephant and Castle.

• St Georges Circus
• School for Indigent Blind
• Surrey Theater

Introduction

Southwark is a district of Central London situated on the south bank of the River Thames, forming the north-western part of the wider modern London Borough of Southwark. The district, which is the oldest part of South London, developed due to its position at the southern end of the early versions of London Bridge, for centuries the only dry crossing on the river. Around 43 AD, engineers of the Roman Empire found the geographic features of the south bank here suitable for the placement and construction of the first bridge.

London's historic core, the City of London, lay north of the bridge and for centuries the area of Southwark just south of the bridge was partially governed by the City, while other areas of the district were more loosely governed. The section known as Liberty of the Clink became a place of entertainment. By the 12th century Southwark had been incorporated as an ancient borough, and this historic status is reflected in the alternative name of the area, as Borough. The ancient borough of Southwark's river frontage extended from the modern borough boundary, just to the west of the Oxo Tower, to St Saviour's Dock (originally the mouth of the River Neckinger) in the east. In the 16th century, parts of Southwark near London Bridge became a formal City ward, Bridge Without.

The urban area expanded over the years and Southwark was completely separated administratively from the City in 1900. Local points of interest include Southwark Cathedral, Borough Market, Shakespeare's Globe theatre, The Shard, Tower Bridge, Butler's Wharf and the Tate Modern museum.

History of Southwark

• History of Southwark

Places of Interest

• Borough Market -- Ancient marketplace of Suthwark
• Butler's Wharf
• Globe Theatre
• Southwark Cathedral -- the mother church of the Diocese of Southwark (Cathedral circa 1905)

Bridges

• -- Blackfriars Bridge
• -- London Bridge
• -- Millenium Bridge (Footbridge)
• -- Southwark Bridge
• -- Tower Bridge

Communities In The Borough

Christchurch

Christchurch was a civil parish in the metropolitan area of London, England. It was located south of the River Thames straddling either side of Blackfriars Road. It originated as the manor of Paris Garden in the parish of St Margaret, Southwark. The parish of St Margaret was replaced by St Saviour in 1541 and then in 1670 the area was split off as a parish in its own right when Christ Church was constructed. It was prone to flooding and was not heavily built upon until after 1809. In 1855 the parish was included in the metropolitan area of London where local government was reformed. The parish was united with St Saviour to form part of the St Saviour's District. When the district was abolished in 1900 the parish became part of the Metropolitan Borough of Southwark. It was abolished as a civil parish in 1930. The area now forms the northwestern part of the London Borough of Southwark.

Around 1900, Christ Church, Southwark (Blackfriars), was a significant parish church near the Thames, part of the Diocese of Southwark, a vibrant spiritual centre with a historic building that hosted notable events (like Mendelssohn playing there in 1837) and served Christ's Hospital boys until they moved in 1902, focusing on the working classes, though the iconic post-war building we see today is from the 1950s after wartime destruction, featuring unique stained glass depicting local trades.

Key Details for Christ Church, Southwark (Blackfriars) around 1900

• Location & Identity: Situated south of Blackfriars Bridge, it served the busy Southwark area, a growing part of London's spiritual landscape.
• Community Focus: It was known for serving the "labouring classes" and was important for local society and music, even hosting the Lord Mayor annually.
• Christ's Hospital Connection: Boys from Christ's Hospital attended services here until the school relocated in 1902, marking a significant shift for the parish.
• Architectural Context: The church had a rich history, with earlier structures (like a vestry added in 1760) and significant modifications, but the present building is a modern reconstruction.
• Musical Heritage: Famous composer Felix Mendelssohn played the organ there in 1837, showcasing its cultural importance.

So, in 1900, you'd find a bustling, historic parish church central to Southwark life; the modern, industrial-themed church is a later iteration of this long-standing spiritual presence

Toponymy

The area is recorded as Wideflete in 1113. In 1420 the name "Parish Garden" was used.

The street called Paris Garden is the result of a renaming of Brunswick Street in the early 20th century.

History

The manor of Paris Garden was located adjacent to the ancient borough of Southwark, in the Brixton Hundred of the county of Surrey. It formed part of the ancient parish of St Margaret and despite being outside the borough of Southwark was generally considered to form part of "Southwark". The area enjoyed special privilege as a liberty, which helped contribute to the poor reputation of the area. It was possible to avoid arrest within the liberty. In 1541 the parish of St Margaret became the new parish of St Saviour. William Baseley was granted a 21 year lease of the manor in 1542. In 1547 he was licensed to organise bowls, dice and other legally forbidden recreations. Paris Garden became infamous for bear and bull baiting throughout the 16th and 17th centuries. When the City of London extended its authority south of Thames in 1550 the liberties of the Clink and Paris Garden were not part of the new jurisdiction of the ward of Bridge Without. Christ Church was constructed and the area was split off in 1670 as a new parish called Christchurch. The parish was included in the returns of the Bills of mortality from 1671, having previously been included in the returns for St Saviour.

When the Metropolitan Police was established in 1829 the parish was included in the initial Metropolitan Police District. In the 1831 United Kingdom census the parish is listed as being part of Southwark. Following the Reform Act 1832 it was added to the Parliamentary Borough of Southwark. For the administration of the New Poor Law the parish was united with St Saviour as the St Saviour's Union in 1836. The parish was small and, although the population had almost doubled in the first half of the 19th century, it was considered too small to form an administrative unit when local government in the metropolitan area of London was reformed in 1855. The parish came within the new Metropolitan Board of Works area and was joined with the parish of St Saviour (including the Clink) to form the St Saviour's District. Christchurch Vestry nominated 15 members to sit on the Board of Works of the St Saviour's District. The district board in turn nominated one member to sit on the Metropolitan Board of Works.

The parish became part of the newly formed County of London in 1889 and the Metropolitan Board of Works was replaced by the London County Council. In 1895 the Christchurch vestry petitioned the Corporation of London for inclusion (with the parish of St Saviour) within an expanded City of London. In 1897 the vestry of Christchurch joined with that of St John, St Olave and St Thomas to promote a bill in parliament to abolish the St Saviour's and the St Olave's districts and include their former areas within the City of London. The city corporation did not support the bill and it did not pass into law because of considerable opposition. In 1900 Christchurch became part of the Metropolitan Borough of Southwark. Southwark Metropolitan Borough Council replaced the Christchurch Vestry and the St Saviours District Board of Works. The Christchurch parish continued to be used for the election of poor law guardians until this practice ended in 1930.

Geography

The northern boundary was in the middle of the River Thames between Old Barge House Stairs and Falcon Dock. When Blackfriars Bridge opened in 1769 the entire bridge was included within the City of London. The rest of the boundary was formed by a looping stream. It was low lying and formed part of the floodplain of the Thames. The area was not heavily built upon until after 1809 when the Surrey and Kent Commissioners for Sewers obtained the legal powers necessary to construct sewers.

St Savior

Around 1900, St Saviour's Parish in Southwark, London, was a significant area known for its historic church (now Southwark Cathedral) and its role in poor relief under the Poor Laws, with records detailing assistance to the needy; the civil parish was absorbed by the new Borough of Southwark that year, while the ecclesiastical parish continued with its ancient functions, managing its own affairs, including its workhouse (like the St. Saviour's Union Workhouse), and serving as a key part of Southwark's community life.

Key Aspects in 1900

• Civil Parish Abolished: The civil parish of St Saviour, responsible for local government and poor relief, was dissolved in 1900 and absorbed into the new Borough of Southwark.
• Southwark Cathedral: The historic church, originally St Mary Overie, was known as St Saviour's Church and would become a cathedral in 1905.
• Poor Law Administration: The parish managed its own poor relief through local rates and Overseers, a system continuing under the Poor Law Act of 1601, supporting the elderly, disabled, widows, and unemployed, as seen in records from the era.
• Workhouse: The St. Saviour's Union Workhouse in Mint Street served the parish's poor.
• Records: Parish records, including baptisms, marriages, burials, and vestry minutes, are preserved at the London Metropolitan Archives (LMA) and are valuable for historical research.

Significance

St Saviour's was an ancient parish with deep historical roots in Southwark, managing both religious and civic duties, providing social welfare, and housing significant landmarks, even as its administrative boundaries changed with the rise of modern local government around 1900

St Michaels

Around 1900, St. Michael's in Southwark, London, likely referred to St. Michael's Alley, a historic lane near the City, or perhaps a local church/parish, situated in a bustling, historically significant area south of the Thames, known for its mix of commerce (like the nearby Bank of England) and older streets, with the larger Borough of Southwark encompassing areas like Newington, Bermondsey, and Rotherhithe, evolving into a Metropolitan Borough with its Town Hall in Walworth Road.

Key aspects of St. Michael's & Southwark around 1900

• St. Michael's Alley: This was a known place, historically significant for commerce, often mentioned with Cornhill.
• Southwark: A large district south of the Thames, it was already a significant part of London, forming the Metropolitan Borough of Southwark by the turn of the century, with its own council.
• St. Michael's Parish/Church: While not explicitly detailed in the snippets for 1900, churches like St. Michael's often gave names to surrounding streets or districts, indicating a local focus within the broader Southwark area.
• Urban Landscape: Southwark was characterized by its proximity to the river, its historic roots (being the "southern defensive work" of London), and its developing urban character, with its own town hall.

In essence, if you were looking for "St. Michael's" in Southwark in 1900, you'd likely find yourself in an area rich with history, close to the river, possibly exploring narrow alleys or near a local church landmark, all under the umbrella of the booming London borough of Southwark.

Key Churches & Contexts

• St Michael & All Angels, Southfields: Built 1896-97 by E.W. Mountford in a Late Gothic style, serving a growing area south of the Thames.
• St Michael & All Angels, Abbey Wood: A newer church (1908) in the same diocese, meeting needs from housing expansion.
• St Michael Cornhill: An ancient parish in the City of London, predating the Norman Conquest, but with connections to broader Southwark.

Diocese of Southwark: This large diocese encompassed many parishes, so "St Michael's" could refer to several churches, including those in Wandsworth or Plumstead (like East Wickham)

St George

Southwark St George the Martyr was a civil parish in the metropolitan area of London, England and part of the ancient Borough of Southwark. In 1855 the parish vestry became a local authority within the area of responsibility of the Metropolitan Board of Works. It became part of the Metropolitan Borough of Southwark in 1900 and was abolished as a civil parish in 1930. Around 1900 in Southwark, London, "St George" likely refers to St George the Martyr, an ancient parish church on Borough High Street with a long history and significant burials, or perhaps the newer St George's Cathedral (Catholic), built in the Gothic Revival style by Augustus Pugin in the mid-1800s, symbolizing Southwark's growing importance and diverse population at the turn of the century, even as industrial growth transformed the area.

History

HistoryIn 1295 the ancient borough of Southwark was enfranchised and initially consisted of the parishes of St George the Martyr, St Margaret, St Mary and St Olave.

The bulk of the parish was centred on St George's Circus, with Newington Causeway and Borough High Street forming the eastern boundary. That part of the parish, also known as St George's Fields was essentially the same as the King's Manor. In the north east it included the church of St George the Martyr Southwark and then formed a long, narrow panhandle along the Old Kent Road, terminating at what is now Burgess Park and surrounding the triangular parish of Newington on two sides. It comprised 284 acres (1.15 km2) and had a population in 1881 of 59,712.

Key Locations & Context around 1900

• St George the Martyr (Anglican): This church was central to the ancient parish, with its graveyard, once used for prison inmates, closed by the 1850s and converted into a garden by 1882. By 1900, its ornate ceiling by Basil Champneys (installed 1897) would have been a recent addition.
• St George's Cathedral (Roman Catholic): Opened in 1848, it was a significant Catholic landmark, reflecting the area's changing demographics and becoming the cathedral for the Diocese of Southwark.
• Southwark's Transformation: The era saw regeneration, with industry and factories booming along the Thames, replacing older gardens with housing for a growing working population, changing the landscape.

In Summary: When someone mentions "St George's, Southwark" near 1900, they're likely thinking of the historic Anglican parish church, St George the Martyr, or the impressive Catholic St George's Cathedral, both prominent features in a rapidly developing Southwark.

St Judes

Around 1900, the area known as St Jude's within Southwark, London, was part of the newly formed Metropolitan Borough of Southwark, established under the London Government Act of 1899, replacing older parish vestries, and specifically referred to the district served by St Jude's Church, Southwark, a parish created in 1850 to serve the rapidly growing population near St George the Martyr, with its church existing as part of the expanding Southwark ecclesiastical district.

Key Points about St Jude's in Southwark (c. 1900)

• Metropolitan Borough: In 1900, this area became part of the new Metropolitan Borough of Southwark, a significant administrative change in London.
• Ecclesiastical Parish: St Jude's was a church parish, formed from the larger St George the Martyr parish, indicating a growing community needing more local church services.
• Location Context: It was situated within the ancient borough of Southwark, an area experiencing population shifts and development, and would eventually become part of the modern London Borough of Southwark.
• Significance: The existence of St Jude's signifies the Victorian expansion and subsequent administrative reorganization of London's inner areas, with new parishes and boroughs established to manage growth.

In essence, St Jude's was a local community/church district within the broader Southwark area, transitioning into a new metropolitan borough in 1900, reflecting London's evolving urban landscape.

Trinity

Around 1900, "Trinity" in Southwark referred to land owned by Trinity House, leading to areas like Trinity Street and Trinity Church Square, developed from the 1800s on former grazing land, while the Metropolitan Borough of Southwark was formally established in 1900, encompassing Newington and western Southwark, with Southwark itself being an ancient borough on the Thames' south bank known for its historic character and connection to the City of London.

Key Points about Trinity in Southwark (c. 1900)

• Trinity House Land: Trinity House (the General Lighthouse Authority) owned land in Southwark, developed from the 19th century into streets like Trinity Street and Trinity Church Square.
• Metropolitan Borough of Southwark: This specific borough was created in 1900, merging parts of older Southwark and the parish of Newington, operating until 1965.
• Southwark (Ancient Borough): The area has been an ancient borough since the 12th century, known as "The Borough," situated on the south bank of the Thames.
• Trinity Village: An area developed from Trinity House's estate, with Trinity Street dating back to 1813, becoming a residential area.

In essence, "Trinity" referred to property and developments linked to Trinity House within the broader, historic Southwark area, which was formalized into a borough structure around that very time (1900)

St Mary's

Around 1900 in Southwark, London, "St Mary's Parish" most likely referred to St. Mary Newington, a significant parish with a long history, featuring a Victorian church built in the 1870s on the site of earlier Georgian and medieval structures, while Southwark Cathedral (St. Saviour's), also known as St. Mary Overie, was the prominent ancient church and spiritual heart of the area, near the Thames.

Key Points about St. Mary's in Southwark around 1900

• St. Mary Newington Parish Church: This was the main parish church for the area, with its current building (a replacement for a Victorian structure damaged in WWII) dating from the 1870s, making it a prominent feature in 1900.
• Southwark Cathedral (St. Saviour's): Though it became a cathedral only in 1905, it was already the historic "mother church" of Southwark, known as St. Saviour and St. Mary Overie, with roots back to the 11th century and attended by figures like Shakespeare.
• Context: Southwark was a bustling, historic area south of the Thames, with these St. Mary churches serving its large population, encompassing old religious sites and developing Victorian neighborhoods.

So, if someone mentioned "St. Mary's Parish" in Southwark in 1900, they were likely referring to the parish centered around the Victorian church of St. Mary Newington, a vital part of the Southwark community

St John's

Around 1900, "St. John's" in Southwark likely referred to the area around the Church of St John the Evangelist (built 1859-60) or St John Horsleydown, within the ancient borough of Southwark, which was formally divided in 1900 to form the Metropolitan Borough of Southwark, a bustling inner-city area known for its contrasts of wealth, poverty, and growing diversity, with areas like Newington, Bermondsey, and Peckham as its districts.

Key Points for 1900 Southwark

• Urbanization: Southwark was a densely populated, inner-city district on the south bank of the Thames, experiencing significant urban development.
• Borough Formation: The traditional Southwark area was reorganized in 1900, creating the new Metropolitan Borough of Southwark.
• "St. John's": This was a common church name, with St John the Evangelist (Larcom Street) and St John Horsleydown being prominent examples, indicating specific local communities or parishes.
• Character: It was a place of contrasts, with busy commercial areas, poverty, and a growing ethnic mix, characteristic of inner London at the turn of the century.

In essence, "St. John's" marked a specific locale within the broader, developing Southwark district, a core part of London by 1900

St Paul's

Around 1900, London's Southwark area, near the iconic St. Paul's Cathedral (across the river on Ludgate Hill), was a bustling, contrasting district of poverty and grandeur, with the cathedral standing as a majestic landmark over a city undergoing rapid change, featuring dense housing and historic church buildings like St Paul's, Lorrimore Square, within its parish boundaries.

Key Aspects of St Paul's Around 1900

• St Paul's Cathedral: Dominating the skyline, the magnificent dome designed by Sir Christopher Wren was a symbol of London's enduring faith and power, attracting visitors and serving as the mother church for the Diocese of London.
• Southwark's Character: Southwark, historically linked to the City of London, was known for its contrasts – areas of poverty and working-class life alongside more affluent spots, with diverse architecture.
• Local Churches: Beyond the great cathedral, local parish churches, like St Paul's Church, Lorrimore Square, served the community's spiritual needs in the dense Southwark neighborhoods.
• The Era: The turn of the century in London was a time of significant social stratification, with industrial growth and urban expansion creating both beauty in grand buildings and harsh realities for many, notes this Facebook post.

In essence, St. Paul's (the Cathedral) overlooked Southwark, a vibrant part of London, both physically and socially, as the Victorian era transitioned into the new century

St Peter's

The St Peter's parish in Southwark, London in 1900 was associated with the church located on Sumner Street in the Walworth area.

St Peter's Key Details 1900

• Location: The parish church was St Peter's Church, located at the junction of Liverpool Grove and Sumner Street, Walworth, in the Metropolitan Borough of Southwark (formed in 1900).
• Church Building: The church itself was a significant building, designed by the distinguished architect Sir John Soane and built between 1823-1825. It is the best preserved of Soane's churches.
• Parish Type: The church was an Anglican parish church within the Diocese of Southwark. There were also Catholic parishes dedicated to St Peter in other areas of Southwark, such as Woolwich, which opened as a Pugin church in 1843.
• 1900 Context: Around 1900, the area was a typical urban parish in a working-class part of London. Information from the time mentions the installation of the Stations of the Cross in 1895 and the appointment of a new parish priest, Fr Arthur Doubleday, in 1900.

Parish Boundaries and Streets

The parish boundaries changed over time, but generally covered the area around Sumner Street and Liverpool Grove in Walworth. Specific streets within the parish would have been those immediately surrounding the church in that part of Southwark.

Dulwich Village

Around 1900, Dulwich Village was a growing, affluent area within the larger parish/area of Southwark in South London, characterized by its historic college, leafy avenues, and developing Victorian/Edwardian housing, transitioning from a rural feel to a desirable suburb, with its distinct identity preserved by the Dulwich Estate, linked to Edward Alleyn's historic charity.

Key Characteristics of Dulwich Village in 1900

• Affluent Suburb: It was becoming a sought-after residential area, known for its green spaces and pleasant environment.
• Historic Roots: The area was historically tied to Dulwich College, founded by Edward Alleyn in the early 17th century, which managed much of the land and influenced its development.
• Architectural Style: The period saw continued building, with ornate Victorian features like decorative bay windows, porch carvings, and patterned ridge tiles common in surrounding East Dulwich areas, though Dulwich Village itself maintained its unique, older charm.
• Southwark Connection: Dulwich sat in the southern part of the Metropolitan Borough of Southwark (formed later, but the geographical link was established).
• Transitioning Landscape: While still retaining rural elements (like "Marshy Meadow" origins), it was rapidly developing into a true London suburb, distinct from the denser parts of Southwark.

In essence, Dulwich Village in 1900 was a charming, well-established, and green part of South London, under the long-term stewardship of the Dulwich Estate, attracting wealthier residents as London expanded

Newington

• -- St George's Cathedral, Southwark

Southwark

• -- Southwark Cathedral

St Savior

Southwark St Saviour (/ˈsʌðərk/ ⓘ SUDH-ərk) was a civil parish in the metropolitan area of London, England, and part of the ancient Borough of Southwark. It was formed in 1541 from the union of the parishes of St Margaret and St Mary. It was abolished in 1930, however residents of the former parish receive a rebate against local taxation because of the presence of Borough Market. It included the Liberty of the Clink which was a special jurisdiction until 1889.

Administration

It was created in 1541 from the former area of the parish of St Margaret and the smaller parish of St Mary, which covered the precinct of the Southwark Priory. It included the Liberty of the Clink that had been part of St Saviour's parish.

In 1855 it was grouped with Southwark Christchurch into the St Saviour's District of the Metropolis. It became part of the County of London in 1889. The Saviour's District was abolished in 1900 and Southwark St Saviour became part of the Metropolitan Borough of Southwark. The parish was absorbed by Southwark in 1930.

The parish was unusual in that its affairs were under the control of the Corporation of Wardens of St Saviour's Parish. The corporation was established by act of parliament in 1541, replacing the Guild of the Assumption of St Margaret's Church. The London Government Act 1899 removed governance functions from the body but it retained its charitable purpose. It is still in existence as the United St Saviour's Charity.

Borough Market

The parish contained the large wholesale food market Borough Market. The trustees of the market have been appointed by the parish since 1756. Additionally, any profit from the operation of the market must be repaid to the local authority and used to offset local taxation. This arrangement has outlasted the abolition of the parish in 1930 and council tax payers in the former parish receive a rebate against their Council Tax.

Geography

To the north the parish had a long boundary fronting the River Thames and the City of London. It stretched, in modern terms, to include the whole of the Bankside Power Station in the west and fell just short of London Bridge station in the east. Half of the current site of Guy's Hospital was within the parish, with Great Maze Pond broadly marking the boundary with St Olave. Parts of what is now Newcomen Street, Little Dorrit Court and Southwark Bridge Road broadly marked the irregular southern boundary with St George the Martyr parish. In the west there was a boundary with Southwark Christchurch (formerly the liberty of Paris Garden) that followed, but fell short of, what is now Great Suffolk Street, Sumner Street, and Holland Street.