What began as a small settlement is now a thriving district. This is Sydenham in South London. Sydenham shares its space between the London boroughs of Lewisham, Bromley, and Southwark. Let’s uncover its story together.
Sydenham’s roots can be traced back to a humble beginning. Originally called Sippenham it was a collection of cottages amidst sprawling woods. Inhabitants grazed their animals and gathered wood. The landscape started to transform in the 1640s. Medicinal springs were discovered in what we know today as Wells Park. Crowds flocked to the area seeking cures.
The 19th century marked a period of rapid expansion for Sydenham. The Croydon Canal arrived in 1809. It linked the Grand Surrey Canal to Croydon. A reservoir was constructed here. The canal faced challenges. It closed in 1836. It became the first canal abandoned by an Act of Parliament. The London & Croydon Railway saw an opportunity. They purchased the canal for £40250. They transformed it into a railway line. The railway connected London Bridge to West Croydon. It opened in 1839. Gas companies soon took interest in Sydenham. The Crystal Palace and District Gas Company established works at Bell Green. Production continued until 1969. Today a retail park stands on much of that site.
Sydenham became synonymous with the Crystal Palace. This immense glass building housed the Great Exhibition in Hyde Park in 1851. A private company bought the Crystal Palace in 1854. It was dismantled and re-erected on Sydenham Hill. The area became a hub for exhibitions concerts and sporting events. Sydenham transformed into a fashionable area. New houses sprung up to accommodate the growing population.
The French impressionist painter Camille Pissarro captured Sydenham’s beauty in 1871. His painting “The Avenue Sydenham” depicts Lawrie Park Avenue. The painting is now owned by the National Gallery.
Sydenham has a history of commerce. The Walter Cobb department store opened in 1860. It was located at Lawrie Place Kirkdale. It lasted until the 1980s. The Children’s Hospital Sydenham opened in 1872. It closed in 1991. Its services are now part of University Hospital Lewisham.
Sydenham felt the impact of the Second World War. The gas works were a target but remained undamaged. The railway through Upper Sydenham station suffered damage. Some homes in the area were destroyed.
Today Sydenham is a vibrant area with much to offer. Sydenham Hill stands as one of the highest points in Greater London. It offers views of the City of London skyline. Upper Sydenham boasts Kirkdale. Once Sydenham’s original High Street it retains a local charm. Sydenham Wells Park offers green space and a glimpse into the area’s medicinal past. Lower Sydenham is home to the Sydenham Community Library.
The High Street is a commercial hub. Independent shops restaurants and coffee shops line the street. Morley’s chicken chain first opened in Sydenham in 1985. It still operates today.
Sydenham has an active community. The Sydenham Society and Sydenham Garden contribute to local life. The Sydenham Arts Festival brings creativity to the area each summer.
Sydenham maintains a number of parks. Mayow Park and Sydenham Wells Park are both Green Flag Awarded. Sydenham also has the highest concentration of conservation areas in the London Borough of Lewisham.
Many notable people have called Sydenham home. David Bowie spent five years here early in his life. Kazuo Ishiguro wrote The Remains of the Day in Sydenham. Eleanor Marx daughter of Karl Marx lived and died here.
Sydenham is well-connected. Several railway stations serve the area. Sydenham Station provides access to London Overground and Southern services. A network of bus routes connects Sydenham to various parts of London.
From its medicinal springs to its modern-day vibrancy Sydenham’s story is one of constant evolution. It is a district that embraces its past while looking forward to the future. As we leave Sydenham remember its unique blend of history community and culture.