STREET TO STREET- A Walk around G E Street's South London led by Alison Rae

Join us for this exploration of the landscape of GE Street's mid 19th century boyhood.

Known for work, especially churches, across the country, George Edmund Street lived and was educated in South London In the 1830s. The family resided in Camberwell at a time when this semi-rural corner of Surrey was starting to see development into a city suburb which subsequently required the new places of worship that Street was to provide in 1859 in Herne Hill and 1871 in Kennington.

The walk begins with an in–depth look at St Paul's, designed by the 35 year old Street, and includes a memorial to local resident John Ruskin as well as a café.

A 10mins ascent to Denmark Hill is rewarded by a view over London before arriving at Camberwell Grove, where Street family lived and site of the Collegiate School attended by young George. A gentle descent passes Georgian terraces, barely altered since Street's time, and takes us to St Giles Church by George Gilbert Scott, with whom Street worked before setting up his own practice.

The final section is a level walk with a green interlude at Myatts Fields as we conclude in Vassal Road, at the Grade 1 Listed St John's, regarded by some as his best work.

As well as refreshments available at St Paul’s, there is a cafe at Denmark Hill just before the halfway point.

Short uphill section at start of walk, downhill at Camberwell Grove, then level for final mile.

10mins walk to Oval station and buses at end of walk.

Meeting Place: St Paul's Church, Herne Hill, London, SE24 9LY

This tour will be led by Alison Rae who is an accredited Lambeth Guide. She regularly gives Tours for Open City, SouthBank London and London Festival of Architecture. With a background in performing arts she has also worked with Royal Opera House, Sadlers Wells and the National Theatre.

FAQs

How do I get to the meeting place?

St Paul's Herne Hill is located near Herne Hill railway station. The nearest underground station is in Brixton.

Buses in and out of the area include the 468, 68.

How can I contact the organiser with any questions?

Please contact Ruth Miller by email at events@victoriansociety.org.uk before the day of the event.

This event helps raise funds for The Victorian Society - the only charity dedicated to fighting for our Victorian and Edwardian heritage. Funds raised from events and memberships allow us to employ expert caseworkers to reply to thousands of planning applications a year in our role as a statutory consultee in the planning system.

We help tackle the climate emergency by campaigning for the sensitive reuse of historic buildings to generate much lower carbon emissions than demolition and rebuild. Join us today and safeguard our unique cultural heritage for future generations! For further information, click here.

Image: St Paul, Herne Hill - East end, by John Salmon CC