Rome was famously built on seven hills but did you know that our own local area has five?
Emma Fleming of the Streatham Society made a welcome return visit to The Vale to enlighten an audience of around 30 people on the fascinating history of the uplands that surround us. We were also joined by Lee and Kirsty from local law firm, Anthony Gold Solicitors, proud supporters of a number of local community initiatives.
The five hills in question were Streatham, Brixton, Herne, Tulse and Sydenham. Emma captivated us with tales of the ghostly figures that have haunted these slopes to the origins of the names. ‘Herne’ is likely based on herons, Brixton is mentioned in folklore as Brixistane, a Saxon name meaning ‘the stone of Brixi’ and ‘Streatham’ derives from ‘Street Hamlet’ (on the street).
Continuing the journey through time, Emma took us forward a few centuries to the Crystal Palace in Victorian times and onwards to the modern day art deco buildings of Streatham High Road. There was lots of discussion about the changing name of the local night club from the Locarno to the Cats Whiskers to The Studio. Several residents had tales of their own to share about this local dance venue.
Conversations and recollections continued over a delicious lunch and this, being a Friday, was a perfect way to start the weekend.