One of the curious pleasures of undertaking historical research , especially research linked to unusual characters with local connections, is stumbling upon someone who seems…
Local History
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Local History
The Lewisham born barrister and the German dentist turned spy who was executed in the Tower in WW2
by adminMike Guilfoyle, vice-chair of the Friends of Brockley and Ladywell Cemeteries, tells the story of Josef Jakobs, dentist, counterfeiter, spy and the last person to…
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Local History
How carpenter, boxer and champion wrestler Jack Wannop became the ‘most popular man in New Cross’
by TonyThe grave of champion wrestler and boxer Jack Wannop, his wife Miriam, and two of their children, Thomas and Mary, can be found close to…
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CommunityLocal History
J J Dallas, no Texan oil baron – but a versatile music hall actor who led a long and varied theatrical career
by TonyMike Guilfoyle, vice-chair of the Friends of Brockley and Ladywell Cemeteries, stumbled upon the headstone of JJ Dallas, a versatile actor who toured with the…
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Local History
The tragic romance of the world’s strongest man: how Alexander Zass found love in Lewisham
by TonyMike Guilfoyle, vice-chair of the Friends of Brockley and Ladywell Cemeteries, tells the story of Russia’s amazing Samson and his first wife who is buried…
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CommunityLocal HistoryTop Stories
Prisoners, poison suspects , Polish submariners … Mike Guilfoyle pores over the faded headstones and plaques of Hither Green cemetery
by TonyMike Guilfoyle, who recently published a third brief guide on 30 of the illustrious deceased buried in Brockley and Ladywell cemeteries, has been tempted to…
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Ladywell SocietyLocal HistoryLocal NewsTop Stories
Wanted! Old photos, letters, newspaper cuttings and your memories … an appeal from Ladywell Society’s Robert Smith to all local residents
by TonyMany of you will have a lot on coping with Covid19, but if you find you’ve got some time on your hands at home why…
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Local HistoryTop Stories
Deptford nurse Sophie Hilling – the ‘rose of no man’s land’ who died fighting the 1918 flu pandemic
by TonyAs the debate over PPE and the risks facing NHS doctors and nurses caring for Covid 19 patients intensifies, Mike Guilfoyle, vice-chair of the Friends…
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Local HistoryLocal NewsTop Stories
Neighbourhood notables 10: A boxer, the author of Beau Geste, a link to Jack the Ripper, and a “grave crime” in 1894
by TonyIn this final part of his fascinating series on neighbourhood notables, Mike Guilfoyle, vice-chair of the Friends of Brockley and Ladywell Cemeteries, tells the stories…
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Local HistoryLocal NewsTop Stories
The spring that fed the stream running along Rushey Green … Victorian gems and Lewisham’s fragile heritage
by TonyThe former Catford Constitutional Club will be brought back into use as part of an ambitious plan for the regeneration of Catford Town Centre. The…