Camberwell, London: History in Old Images

The Old House on the Green Camberwell

Enjoy a glimpse of history through old images of Camberwell, in the London Borough of Southwark, Greater London, England, UK.

WW1 Charity Pageant

A rather curious parade of costumes are seen as young women walk around the side of a large building in Camberwell.

Charity Pageant – Camberwell (1914-1918) – British Pathé on YouTube


Unemployed Workers 1920

It’s only a few seconds long, but this vintage film clip shows unemployed workers gathered in Camberwell to protest against the harsh economic conditions of 1920. Their banner says ‘Justice’.

This is just two years after Britain’s young men were fighting for their country in the trenches of France and Belgium, and battling in conflicts across the world.

Unemployed procession at Camberwell (1920) – British Pathé on YouTube


Camberwell Children 1924

In 1924, a simian called Joey escaped from a zoo. He was on the run for 13 days, before being caught from a terrace in Camberwell.

The news item recorded hundreds of unaccompanied local children, excitedly watching the capture of this little monkey.

There are also a few glimpses of some of the local buildings, too.

Poor Old Joey Camberwell (1924) – British Pathé on YouTube


Camberwell Mural 1959

The eminent Victorian poet Robert Browning was born in Walworth in the parish of Camberwell, in the year 1812.

His 1842 publication Dramatic Lyrics, part of the Bells and Pomegranates series, included the 303 line narrative poem of The Pied Piper of Hamelin.

In 1959 the Viennese sculptor and mural designer Willi Soukop designed a modern and abstract concrete mural based on The Pied Piper, commissioned by LCC for Camberwell as a nod to Browning’s birthplace.

In this short news item, Willi Soukop explains his work to Sir Isaac Haywood, the Leader of LCC, and other officials and members.

News In Flashes – Camberwell (1959) – British Pathé on YouTube


More Pictures of Old Camberwell

Old Camberwell in London, England, enjoyed through historic photos, vintage pictures & archive film. Browse history in these fascinating old images of a bygone era on my Pinterest Board.


More about London

Categorised in