“Hitler eyed this place”. That’s a chilling thought isn’t it? Welcome to Du Cane Court. It is an Art Deco apartment block in Balham. It is a distinctive local landmark.
Du Cane Court was built in 1937. It was believed to be Europe’s largest privately owned apartment block then. Du Cane Court has 677 apartments.
Many music hall stars lived here in the 1930s and 1940s. The building boasted a social club on the top floor. Later the area was converted into flats. Tommy Trinder the comedian was a past resident. Arthur Smith the comedian and writer is a current resident. He is the self-styled Bard of Balham.
Du Cane Court is a strikingly beautiful building. It has distinctive curves and Art Deco styling. Its sleek lobby boasts a marbled pillar entryway. The social club had a bar and restaurant on the 7th floor.
During World War II, London suffered terrible damage. Balham was particularly damaged. But Du Cane Court was left untouched. This gave rise to peculiar rumors. Some people thought that the apartments size and shape resembled part of the swastika. It was believed this was a signpost for Luftwaffe navigators. It was the point to turn around and head back to mainland Europe.
Some people say that Adolf Hitler earmarked Du Cane Court. It would be the future home of the SS. It would also house his private apartments. This was if the proposed invasion of Britain had succeeded.
But after the Battle of Britain, those plans were shelved. Hitler’s rumored plans for Du Cane Court remain speculation. Similar Art Deco residential buildings in London include Florin Court. Other examples are Cholmeley Lodge, Hillfield Court and Nell Gwynn House. George K Green designed all of these. He also designed Du Cane Court.
Gregory K Vincent wrote “A history of Du Cane Court: land, architecture, people and politics”. He interviewed many people for his book. They regaled him with anecdotes. They also shared personal accounts of their lives. They told him how this building was significant to them.
Jeremy Jessel inspired Vincent to write the book. He spoke with many residents. They included Duncan Scobie and Derick Mallett. Sylvia Say told him funny stories.
Conversations with Arthur Smith and Christopher Luscombe gave him insight. It was into the world of radio, music hall and theatre. Louisa Wheway, Claire Macdonald-Ross and May Arkell had interesting family backgrounds. May also supplied him with a copy of the original brochure. It included a menu for the restaurant.
Neil Mills enlightened him. All avenues of Balham’s local history seem to lead back to Du Cane Court. Neil Gray entertained him with sad tales. Marion Hopkins remembered David Suchet filming at Du Cane Court. It was around 1990.
The scale of Du Cane Court is truly something to be reckoned with. It sits on about 4.5 acres of land. It has been estimated to contain four or six miles of corridor. It has four main courtyards. Two were created with Japanese features. Seyemon Kusumoto was the landscape gardener.
There was even a restaurant in the early days. It was intended to be international. The menu offered an English, American and Continental breakfast. The most expensive items were roast chicken or a four course set lunch.
Some people lived in their flats during the day. They would hide in the cellars at night. Curtains had to be drawn at night. If there was a chink of light people were told about it. There was an air raid tonight.
On one occasion, someone was caught flashing a torch on the roof. It was rumored that Hitler had it in mind for his UK headquarters. However, there is no evidence of this. Before the war, 75 percent of the population were show people.
Actress Elizabeth Sellars was a resident. A few of the Tiller Girls lived at Du Cane Court. They performed at the Windmill Theatre. Richard Hearne visited his mother who lived in a big flat here. Comedian Derek Roy lived here. Tommy Trinder was the most talked-about resident.
Andrew Sandham, the cricketer, lived here. He was the first English batsman to make a triple century in a test match. Ernest Bubley, England’s top table-tennis star, lived here too.
So as we leave Du Cane Court, consider its elegant design. Consider its history. Consider the people who have lived here. It’s more than just an apartment block. It’s a piece of London’s story.