IMAGES TAKEN NEAR TO
Woodbourne Avenue, LONDON, SW16 1BP

A view from by Becmead Avenue bus stop, towards Brixton or Tulse Hill.

A long terrace mostly dating from 1905 and running from Woodbourne Avenue to Becmead Avenue, and probably the main run of shops on the High Road. Like all the blocks in the area it has turrets at the corners and decorative stonework, plus a variety of shaped gables. The exception in the foreground with its blank brick front used to be Woolworths and dates from 1957. The other exception can be seen here: Image The whole terrace is within the Streatham High Road and Streatham Hill Conservation Area. The course of Streatham High Road has been a major highway between London and Sussex since Roman times. Its current appearance is largely attributable to two major spells of development. The first was during the late C19th following the opening of Streatham Hill station in 1856, and the second was after 1911 when the line to Victoria was electrified. Though much-maligned and undoubtedly blighted by heavy traffic, closer examination reveals that the road is lined with a number of interesting buildings, some of which reflect the period between the wars when Streatham was a fashionable centre of entertainment. Information from Lambeth Council (http://www.lambeth.gov.uk/NR/exeres/CE4B5CE1-0387-40ED-B5A9-273A5160C34A.htm ).

Carved stone post by the A23, in parish of STREATHAM (LAMBETH District), Streatham High Road, in front of Kwik-fit garage, between footpath and parking area, to left of seat, on East side of road. Surrey limestone pillar, erected by the Surrey & Sussex turnpike trust in the 18th century. Inscription reads:- : WHITEHALL / 5(½) / MILES : : ROYAL / EXCHANGE / 6 / MILES : Milestone Society National ID: SY_LBT05a.

Photo taken looking north towards Streatham Hill. To the left is the Odeon and at this time it was still a single screen When opened in 1930, its exotic interiors made it an "atmospheric" where the audience could escape into mock Egyptian fantasy! in the background can be seen "The High", a 1930's mansion block with integral swimming pool. Note the light traffic. It is the constant grind of heavy traffic that contributed to the decline of this once thriving shopping centre.

Until quite recently the Post Office, and before that the telephone exchange, this is a fine neo-Georgian building of red brick with stone dressings. The windows facing the High Road have stone surrounds and pronounced keystones, and there is a gable topped by an obelisk (the bird is not a permanent feature). It was built in 1909. It is within the Streatham High Road and Streatham Hill Conservation Area. The course of Streatham High Road has been a major highway between London and Sussex since Roman times. Its current appearance is largely attributable to two major spells of development. The first was during the late C19th following the opening of Streatham Hill station in 1856, and the second was after 1911 when the line to Victoria was electrified. Though much-maligned and undoubtedly blighted by heavy traffic, closer examination reveals that the road is lined with a number of interesting buildings, some of which reflect the period between the wars when Streatham was a fashionable centre of entertainment. Information from Lambeth Council (http://www.lambeth.gov.uk/NR/exeres/CE4B5CE1-0387-40ED-B5A9-273A5160C34A.htm ).