IMAGES TAKEN NEAR TO
Broxholm Road, LONDON, SE27 0BJ

A number of prominent buildings in central London are visible. The tower under construction (above the car) is Strata, a block of flats at Elephant Castle (2007-10, by Hamilton's Architects). Immediately to its left can be seen the dome of St Paul's Cathedral. To its right can be seen the three Barbican towers - Cromwell, Shakespeare, and Lauderdale (1965-76, Chamberlin, Powell and Bon). Pity the poor cyclist. He didn't even notice me standing in his way.

Bath and Edinburgh may have better known examples, but their charms are obvious whereas West Norwood's requires an exercise of the imagination to fully appreciate its (potential) splendour. Standing on high ground, it should have been the circular hub of a prestigious early Victorian development from which villa-lined roads would radiate, but it flopped and the surrounding houses are routine Victorian and early C20th fare. Behind the wooden fence is Tonge House, originally a "home for ladies", almshouses established by Bertha Portal, the present building also early C20th by the looks of it.

A house on the site of Hitherfield Road Baptist Church was purchased in 1902 and demolished in 1906. The foundation stone laying ceremony of the church was held on 7th December 1906, and the opening ceremony on 25th April, 1907. To the left of the church is the entrance to Hitherfield Primary School.

Hitherfield Primary School extends from Hitherfield Road as far as the railway line between Streatham Hill and West Norwood. Hitherfield Road Baptist Church was opened in 1907 on the site of a previously demolished house. See also https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/2064883

Two railway bridges crossing Leigham Vale in South London. The space beneath the bridges is quite narrow, therefore the pavement is only on one side of the road here.

The nearer bridge carries the line from Streatham Hill to Tulse Hill, this short spur being opened in 1868 when Tulse Hill station was opened. The further bridge carries the line from Streatham Hill to West Norwood which opened in 1856. Just to the left, but out of sight, is the line from Streatham to Tulse Hill which also dates from 1868. Southern trains operate over the bridges while First Capital Connect trains to Luton and St Albans (and two in the evening peak to Bedford) and Southern trains can be seen on the line which runs alongside Leigham Vale.

The road descends towards Norwood Road, although it is interrupted by the railway which is crossed only by a footbridge. The distant woods might be near Dulwich golf course.