Picture Dulwich as a hamlet outside London. It was the year 967 AD. King Edgar granted it to one of his thanes.
Welcome to Dulwich a charming area in South London with a rich history. It is largely within the London Borough of Southwark. Parts are in the London Borough of Lambeth. Dulwich comprises Dulwich Village, East Dulwich, West Dulwich, and the Southwark half of Herne Hill.
Dulwich’s name has evolved. It was once Dylways, Dullag and Dilwysshe. This means meadow where dill grew. In 1127, King Henry I gave the land to Bermondsey Abbey. By 1333, Dulwich had only 100 residents.
In 1538, Henry VIII sold Dulwich to Thomas Calton for u00a3609. His grandson, Sir Francis Calton sold it to Edward Alleyn for u00a35,000 in 1605. Alleyn established the College of God’s Gift in 1619. This charitable foundation is now The Dulwich Estate. It still owns 1,500 acres. Alleyn also built Christ’s Chapel and alms houses.
King Charles I often hunted in Dulwich Woods in the 17th century. In 1738, Samuel Bentyman was murdered there. John Evelyn wrote about taking waters at Dulwich in 1677. These waters were sold in London streets. A man named Mr. Cox found purgative water in 1739. This drew people to his Green Man Tavern. Cox’s Walk was cut to connect his tavern to Sydenham Wells.
By 1815, the Green Man became Dr. Glennie’s academy. Lord Byron and General Le Marchant were pupils. Dr Glennie held concerts that attracted visitors. After the school closed it became the Grove Tavern. In 1803, Samuel Matthews the Dulwich Hermit was murdered in Dulwich Woods. The Dulwich Picture Gallery was built from 1811 to 1814.
Alleyn’s school grew in 1842. Sir Charles Barry designed the Old Grammar School. In 1857, the school split. Dulwich College moved to new buildings in 1870. Alleyn’s School moved to Townley Road in 1887.
By 1901, Dulwich’s population grew to 10,247. This was due to railways and housing growth. Dulwich was hit by many V-1 flying bombs and V-2 rockets in World War II.
Dulwich Village has the original shopping street. It has many 18th and 19th century buildings. It is a conservation zone. Dulwich Park hosts the Dulwich Horse and Motor Show.
Dulwich is home to Dulwich Hamlet F.C. The Old Alleynian Football Club is a local rugby team. Dulwich Paragon is a local cycling club. Dulwich Harps Gaelic football team trains in Peckham Rye. Dulwich also has two running clubs.
Dulwich Park opened in 1890. It has ponds, play areas, and tennis courts. Dulwich Hospital opened in 1887. It treated wounded soldiers during World War I. There is a memorial fountain for Dr. George Webster. He founded the first British Medical Association.
The Old Burial Ground was created by Edward Alleyn. Thirty five plague victims are buried there. Old Bridget queen of the Norwood Gypsies is also buried here.
Belair House was designed in 1785. It is now a restaurant with a public park. Bell House was designed in 1767. It became a Dulwich College boarding house in 1926.
The Crown and Greyhound pub was once two separate pubs. Charles Dickens often visited The Greyhound. One of the area’s famous residents was Sir George Frederick Ellyatt. He designed many homes in the area.
All Saints Church in West Dulwich was meant to be a cathedral. It was gutted by fire in 2000 but reopened in 2006. St Barnabas’ Church was rebuilt with a glass spire after an arson attack. Grace Church Dulwich meets on Turney Road.
Dulwich sits on the South Circular. The College Road has a tollgate dating back to 1789. West Dulwich is near London Victoria.
Many famous people were born in Dulwich. These include Enid Blyton and Tim Roth. Bon Scott of AC/DC was found dead in East Dulwich. Charles Dickens’ Samuel Pickwick retired to Dulwich. He called it one of the most pleasant spots near London.
From its humble beginnings to its current status, Dulwich remains a special place. Its history is etched in its buildings and streets. Take a moment to appreciate the legacy of Dulwich.