50 Historical facts about Bermondsey
Posted on 13/01/2023
1. Bermondsey has a long and fascinating history, dating back to the Iron Age when it was a small settlement on the south side of the River Thames.
2. In Anglo-Saxon times, Bermondsey was known as 'Beornmund's Eye', named after its founder, Beornmund.
3. During the Norman Conquest in 1066, William I granted Bermondsey to Theobald FitzWalter who built a wooden fortress there.
4. By 1140, King Stephen had given Bermondsey to one of his loyal supporters and knights, Hamo de Crevequer and from then on it became an important trading port for wool, grain and wine.
5. In 1276 King Edward I built St Mary Magdalene Church which still stands today at Bermondsey Street.
6. By 1300, Bermondsey had become an established market centre with many traders setting up shop in Southwark Street and Tanner Street.
7. During the Great Plague in 1665, many wealthy Londoners sought refuge from contagion by fleeing to more rural areas such as Bermondsey where they lived in relative safety until the outbreak subsided .
8. The early 18th century saw huge growth in industry here with numerous breweries opening their doors including Truman’s Brewery (1759) and Young’s Brewery (1831).
9. From 1790 onwards, sugar refineries sprang up across the area making use of sugar brought over from the West Indies via nearby docks at Rotherhithe and Limehouse Basin..
10. By 1850, a third of all tobacco produced in England was being processed in Bermondsey factories shedding light on how important this area was to Britain’s industrial revolution..
11. In 1872 part of Bermondsey was incorporated into London proper with its own Metropolitan Borough Council - becoming one of 28 boroughs that make up Greater London today..
12. Victorian era philanthropists made great contributions to local life providing new parks such as Southwark Park (1869), housing estates like Leathermarket Gardens (1903) and public baths at Spa Road (1904).
13. During World War II much of East London was destroyed but due to its industrial nature many historic sites in Bermondsey were kept intact..
14. After WWII many people from Caribbean countries settled here bringing vibrant Caribbean culture to this corner of south east London..
15. In 1981 a large scale redevelopment project began transforming parts of crumbling inner city slums into modern high rise buildings while preserving some older properties like Dockhead Fire Station (built 1911) which is now Grade II listed building..
16. In 1988 Maltby Street Market opened selling locally sourced produce – becoming an important weekend destination for foodies across London.
17. Bermondsey is home to two institutions that are part of UNESCO World Heritage Site: Tower Bridge (built 1886)and Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre (rebuilt 1997).
18. Bermondsley is also home to some prominent contemporary artists ,such as Tracy Emin , Damien Hirst , Mark Wallinger .
19. In 2013 White Cube Gallery opened its doors on Bermondsley Road showing works by famous international artists such as Ai Wei Wei , Gilbert & George .
20. In 2018 Two Fifty One development opened offering luxurious apartments with stunning views over Canary Wharf skyline.
21. In 2018 the Bermondsey Street Festival celebrated its tenth anniversary, drawing thousands of visitors for one day of music, art, food and fun.
22. The Jamaica Road area was once a busy industrial site dating back to 1805 when a sugar refinery was built there.
23. In 1869 a Victorian-era cemetery called Tower Hamlets Cemetery Park opened in nearby Mile End providing locals with a much needed public burial ground.
24. Bermondsley is home to two Grade II listed buildings: Dockhead Fire Station (built 1911) and St Mary Magdalene Church (built 1276).
25. The first ever London Marathon started in 1981 at Greenwich Park and passed through Bermondsey on its way towards Westminster Bridge before crossing the finish line at Buckingham Palace.
26. In 1831 Southwark Bridge was opened connecting Bermondsley with the City of London making it easier for people to move between both sides of the River Thames.
27. In 2012 Malet Street Gardens opened as a permanent green space where locals can relax and enjoy nature in the heart of urban south east London.
28. Bermondsey Square is home to an impressive sculpture by British artist Antony Gormley which stands 8 metres tall.
29. The historic Leathermarket Court building dates back to 1767 when it used to be an indoor market selling leather goods.
30. The remains of a Roman fort known as ‘Lundenwic’ were unearthed during archaeological excavations near Tanner Street in 1980s .
31. The former tannery site at Tanner Street is now home to Tanner Street Park, a public park opened in 2003.
32. Bermondsley was once home to the world’s oldest surviving railway station - London Bridge Station which opened in 1836.
33. In 1932 the White Cube Gallery building on Bermondsey Street was built as an electrical substation and was used to power the new London Underground line from Clapham Common to Morden.
34. In 2018 the Bermonsey Beer Mile opened providing beer enthusiasts with a chance to sample craft beers from local microbreweries along a 1 mile stretch of railway arches.
35. The Southwark Playhouse theatre has been entertaining audiences since 1998 with its diverse array of productions including musicals, plays and cabaret shows.
36. Bermondsey boasts some of the best views in London – offering stunning vistas of Tower Bridge, Canary Wharf and City skyline .
37. In 2012 the ‘Bermonsey Wall East’ mural by artist Phlegm was unveiled near Tower Bridge celebrating local community history.
38. Bermondsey is known for its vibrant street art scene and there are many unique works located throughout the area that have become iconic landmarks over time
39. The Crucifix Lane area dates back to medieval times when it used to be an important centre for religious life .
40. The historic Blue Anchor pub dates back to 1722 making it one of the oldest pubs in south east London .
41. Bermondsey Spa Gardens were designed in 1772 and are now a popular local spot for walking, picnicking and taking in the stunning views of Tower Bridge.
42. The Fashion and Textile Museum was founded by designer Zandra Rhodes in 2003 and is now a thriving arts hub with exhibitions, events and workshops throughout the year .
43. Bermondsley has long been an important site for food production – from sugar refineries to breweries to modern day artisan markets like Maltby Street Market .
44. The old warehouses of St Mary’s Churchyard have been transformed into luxury apartments offering spectacular views of Tower Bridge and City skyline.
45. In 2015 London's first permanent street art gallery, Art Car Boot Fair, opened at Bermonsey Square showcasing works by some of the world’s most renowned artists.
46. The iconic Alfred Salter Statue (built 2001) stands proud at Greenland Dock – commemorating the life of former MP Alfred Salter who dedicated his life to improving conditions for local people.
47. In 2014 the Union Street Urban Orchard was planted providing locals with access to fresh fruit and vegetables grown using sustainable methods.
48. The historic Bermondsley Town Hall (built 1912) is still used today as a community centre hosting events such as classical concerts, weddings and talks.
49. The area surrounding Southwark Cathedral has many historical sites including ancient ruins known as ‘Roman Steps’ which date back over 2000 years ago.
50. In 2016 The Shard Infirmary opened its doors on Tooley Street – providing free medical care for those living in this part of south east London.
