History – 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 […]

New play celebrating local boxing legend Sir Henry Cooper opens next month

News Desk — Sat, 18 Apr 2026 08:22:20 +0000

A new play celebrating the boxing legend, Sir Henry Cooper, will open at Lewisham’s The Fellowship Inn in May, writes Tom Appleby… “Dancing In The Mirror” follows the life of the young boxer, and will be performed in the icon’s former training ground. His nephew, opera singer, Neal Cooper, will play his uncle in the […]

Meet the archaeologists who uncover the incredible history of Southwark’s Roman and medieval remains

Staff Reporter — Sun, 12 Apr 2026 20:23:31 +0000

Southwark is one of the most valuable places in London for archaeological discoveries. That’s according to Alistair Douglas, and he should know. In his 39-year career as an archaeologist, he’s unearthed countless finds from the Neolithic to the Roman... This is premium content for subscribers only Get the real storyAs Southwark changes we’re still here.We’re […]

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 […]

It’s been 300 years since Guy’s Hospital began caring for the community in South London

Issy Clarke — Sat, 04 Apr 2026 08:33:30 +0000

For the last 300 years Guy’s Hospital has stood at the centre of the community in South London. Each year the doctors and nurses at the hospital welcome thousands of babies into the world and care for many more patients. The hospital’s amazing work today is all thanks to the work of local bookseller and […]

Southbank Centre appeals for Festival of Britain memories in 75th anniversary year

Evie Flynn — Sun, 29 Mar 2026 19:17:25 +0000

The Southbank Centre has launched a nationwide appeal for memories of the Festival of Britain, which took place on London’s South Bank and at events across the country in 1951. The Festival of Britain was a four-month national exhibition and fair intended to be a “tonic for the nation” following years of war and hardship. […]

Guy’s Hospital to mark 300th birthday with week of celebrations

Issy Clarke — Tue, 24 Mar 2026 14:16:00 +0000

Guy’s Hospital is celebrating its 300th birthday this year and will put on a week of free and paid activities to mark the occasion in May. 2026 marks 300 years since Guy’s began caring for the community in 1726. The programme of celebratory events, which includes a special Southwark Cathedral service and a black-tie dinner, […]

Caribbean WWII histories reimagined at the Old Royal Naval College

Staff Reporter — Tue, 17 Mar 2026 11:21:00 +0000

London’s Old Royal Naval College is hosting a free talk delving into the British Caribbean experience of WWII through the medium of film, writes Myfanwy Fleming-Jones… Writer and Director Tony T of Sweet Patootee Arts will present an interactive talk at the Old Royal Naval College, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with more than 600 […]

‘A true Bermondsey diamond’ social club owner and community leader Mick Hannon passes away aged 67 after short battle with cancer

Issy Clarke — Tue, 10 Mar 2026 17:05:26 +0000

Bermondsey and Rotherhithe are mourning the loss of a much-loved character who entertained local families at his church social club and worked hard to represent his community on the council. Michael Hannon, better known to his friends and family as Mick – sadly passed away on 15 February aged just 67, after a short four-month […]

Community project to tell Bermondsey and Rotherhithe’s story through performance and art

Staff Reporter — Mon, 09 Mar 2026 15:26:00 +0000

Bermondsey and Rotherhithe Through Song will bring a historical play to Southwark Playhouse and train the next generation of historians, writes Cristina Trujillo… Inclusive theatre group, People’s Company, will perform Time Train at Southwark Playhouse, May 27–29, telling the history of Bermondsey and Rotherhithe through local song. The charity, based at Southwark Playhouse, is also […]