Debra Gosling – Southwark News

Finding Salvation in Camberwell – the founding of William Booth College

Debra Gosling — Sun, 19 Apr 2026 18:10:12 +0000

There's a couple of imposing buildings to behold as you traverse the hills and dales of Camberwell. Sitting on a bus you may hear the whine and whirr of chopper blades overhead as an air ambulance lands on the helipad roof of King's College Hos... This is premium content for subscribers only Get the real […]

A botanist, forgotten stream and wood yard – a history of Bermondsey’s Willow Walk

Debra Gosling — Sat, 11 Apr 2026 18:06:33 +0000

Bermondsey may be known for docks, tanneries and warehouses, but it also has a surprisingly botanical history. Curtis Street, in the heart of SE1, off Willow Walk, was once named Willow Street. It was renamed in honour of the botanist and apothecary... This is premium content for subscribers only Get the real storyAs Southwark changes […]

The Blue’s Silver Screens: the birth of moving pictures to Hollywood’s Golden Age and post-war decline

Debra Gosling — Sat, 07 Mar 2026 10:56:11 +0000

Before the introduction of moving pictures the most exciting entertainment had been theatre, which was expensive for the working classes. For the likes of us it was the music hall and the pub! But with the birth of film a whole new genre of entertain... This is premium content for subscribers only Get the real […]

A badly judged affair – the Bermondsey funeral that ended in chaos

Debra Gosling — Wed, 18 Feb 2026 10:48:08 +0000

You must have seen all those adverts for simple cremations on the television - no big send off, no flowers and no traumatised, weeping loved ones. The days of all those big, expensive and quite Victorian send-offs are dwindling as we go further into ... This is premium content for subscribers only Get the real […]

Temperance, tanneries and a working class hero: the story behind Southwark Park’s old water fountain

Debra Gosling — Thu, 22 Jan 2026 16:43:50 +0000

How many times have you walked past that old drinking fountain in Southwark Park? Sadly it is currently not working, yet it tells a remarkable story of an ordinary working man and his courageous efforts to improve the lives of Bermondsey people. Ladi... This is premium content for subscribers only Get the real storyAs Southwark […]

A wintry walking tour through Bermondsey’s Guy Street Park and Leathermarket Gardens

Debra Gosling — Sun, 11 Jan 2026 17:24:39 +0000

Grave robbers, tanneries and magnificent roses - historian Debra Gosling takes us on a history walk through these hidden green gems... Pheeuuwww...here it is, January. All the glitter and tinsel is put away, the last of the Roses have been scoff... This is premium content for subscribers only Get the real storyAs Southwark changes we’re still […]

When raucous Frost Fairs were held on the frozen Thames – and punters risked an icy death

Debra Gosling — Sun, 04 Jan 2026 19:49:24 +0000

What a tourist attraction the Thames would be if we still had harsh winters. Can you imagine Tower Bridge covered in glittering icicles, like a huge fairytale castle belonging to the Snow Queen? At night the river front would look like one of those ... This is premium content for subscribers only Get the real […]

History – the avoidable tragedy that shattered New Year’s Eve in Bermondsey

Debra Gosling — Wed, 31 Dec 2025 16:11:37 +0000

It was a cold day on the thirtieth of December 1908; people were huddled around their fires, preparing for the forthcoming New Year's Eve celebrations. Outside a blizzard was blowing around Bermondsey's streets, covering the sooty roofs and pavements... This is premium content for subscribers only Get the real storyAs Southwark changes we’re still here.We’re […]

Our lifeline, pride and joy and link with the past – how the River Thames made Southwark

Debra Gosling — Sun, 28 Dec 2025 23:11:44 +0000

Things come and go in the borough of Southwark. Right through time beautiful buildings have been erected, only to be demolished again by some fanciful architect of the day. Green space has been built over, meadows lost, wildlife driven out. Theatres ... This is premium content for subscribers only Get the real storyAs Southwark changes […]

Christmas through history in Southwark – and the people who ended up on Santa’s naughty list

Debra Gosling — Thu, 25 Dec 2025 09:21:21 +0000

It's here again. Christmas. Tesco's, Toys R Us and telly! After all the hectic shopping, office parties and nativity plays you can finally sit down and relax over the Christmas holiday. You can't manage another sprout, but still find room for ... This is premium content for subscribers only Get the real storyAs Southwark changes […]