About the Ladywell Society
The Ladywell Society has been working in the village and beyond since 1984 and aims to:
- foster community spirit
- investigate and promote local history
- work with other groups to improve the amenity of the area of Ladywell
Ladywell emerged from the outskirts of the original Lewisham Village when a spring came up spontaneously through the earth in 1472. This became known as the Well of Our Lady and eventually, the Lady Well.
Over the years and with the coming of the railway it expanded to encompass the area it does today.
London is a collection of villages and Ladywell is one with an impressive heritage which we need to cherish and build on.
Fostering the community spirit
The Society holds regular meetings both to discuss local issues and has presentations on topics of local interest.
Along with partner organisations we have arranged community barn dances, village folk festivals and had a presence at many local events.
Since the formation of the Ladywell Society the Village Noticeboard has been a focus for local information and an example of the village community spirit.
As time has gone on, we have other noticeboards in Ladywell Station, Sainsbury’s, Ladywell Village Fruit n’ Veg and many local shops display our posters. Information about the Society, our meetings and activities is never far away and now we have our social media too!
Investigating and promoting local history
The Society has been very active in its research and dissemination of local history. In addition to talks and presentations at our meetings we have produced publications on the Well of Our Lady and the Ladywell Mineral Spring as well as The Ladywell Workhouse / Infirmary.
Our sets of postcards featuring historic scenes of Ladywell are always well received.
We have erected plaques to both the Lady Well and Mineral Spring / Spa and our display boards which are a popular feature at local events give more information.
Working with other groups to improve the amenity of the area of Ladywell
One of our main activities is to scrutinize and comment on planning applications in Ladywell and in the wider Lewisham area where these impinge on Ladywell.
We have been successful in adding local buildings to the Statutory List of Buildings of Historical Special Architectural Interest:
Ladywell Railway Station (1857)
The Old Fire Station (1898)
Police Station (1899)
Coroners Court (1894) and, of course, the Playtower (1884)
Another success was the national listing by English Heritage of Riley’s Billiard Hall (1910) on Lewisham High Street.
We successfully advocated the setting up of the Ladywell Conservation Area to protect the many fine examples of Victorian and Edwardian houses.
Will you Support us?
Your support is vital.
Whether it be simply becoming a member to show your support and give us more clout when negotiating for the best interests of Ladywell or getting actively involved. For more information, membership forms and getting hold of our literature and publications, why not visit our Information Centre inside Ladywell Village Fruit n’ Veg