The Camberwell Ghost Map

Hello everyone, it’s Peter again. I’m taking a quick break from my self-imposed hiatus (I’m writing a book, actually; a sort of technical manual, nothing to do with Camberwell) to show off a very early prototype of something I had the idea for a long time ago:

The Camberwell Ghost Map.

It isn’t a map of haunted houses, it’s a map of things that no longer exist. As I said, this is in a very early stage of development — more a proof of concept than anything else — so mostly the only data it contains is information on vanished cinemas and train stations.

Update: Added some pubs, thanks to Ewan‑M. Many more to come.

Just wanted to get everyone’s feedback on it, and to see if anyone else fancies getting involved.

As for news, I’m still updating the Twitter feed @camberwellblog regularly — you can see the latest updates on the right-hand side of this page. I’m also still looking for people to write stuff here. Does no-one want to write a full review of The Tiger? Food starts this weekend so it’ll be an opportune moment.

Author: Peter

Long-time resident of Camberwell, author of this blog since July 2004.

60 thoughts on “The Camberwell Ghost Map”

  3. Peter — I have some old postcards of Camberwell which you might be able to use to illustrate the Camberwell Ghost Map.

  4. The Dagmars are on their holidays but nevertheless are gathered round their methylated-spirits-powered, crank-up radio to hear Bermondsey’s David Haye against Ruiz live.

    Harry Carpenter, of course, was born in South Norwood and latterly played golf at Dulwich. We salute him with a glass of Tizer tonight.

    On the way here on the interminable motorway, we saw a lorry bearing the name, large, Arcese. Their advertising goes something like, “When my wife has her piles, she insists on using Arcese.”

    Perhaps Arcese can sponsor the new Gala Bingo social club, which would be called “The ARCESE” like the O2 or Emirates.

    Anyway, the fight is about to begin.

    We were sorry to turn up at the Lucas Gardens new play area opening only to find that…

    Hang on, Haye has Ruiz down in the first.

    … to find that it had been postponed. We hope they don’t hold it while we’re away.

    Got him bang on the chin, apparently. All the nerve endings are on the chin, so the legs go, everything.

    The Railway Children is being re-released. Perhaps we should have a group showing in the new community arse centre.

    Ruiz has recovered in the second. He is tough.

    Another fascinating south Londoner is Walter de la Mare. More of him later. He is a sort of an early psychedelic writer.

    Oh God, Ruiz is putting combinations together but blood is pouring from his nose. Maybe it will end referee stopped fight. On the other hand Ruiz is throwing rights over the top — haymakers.

    End of 5 Ruiz saved by the bell.

    It would be nice to have a boating lake in Camberwell, say on the roof terrace of the Arcese, with a louche 1920s theme, cocktails, a bit of early Los Angeles in Camberwell.

    Ruiz saved by the bell end of 6. Looks like next is it. But one remembers Ali looking tired just before boffing Foreman in the Rumble and regaining the title at 32 as memorably described by Harry. Ruiz is 38, though.

    The Dalai Lama says a good thing. He says there is no “Them and us” any more in this globalised world. It’s true, you can go on a posh safari in the Masai Mara and the youngfellas will tell you all about their noble culture and all that, but before you go, they’ll say, “Psst! What’s the latest on Rooney’s ankle?”

    Haye does not seem to have the killer instinct. Frank was like that. He must kill the bull but cannot seem to do it.

    Driving here in a car we made ourselves from an old washing machine, we notice petrol is very expensive but that train travel is discouraged by its price.

    RSF in 9.

    We blow the radio out, hug each other and go to sleep.

  5. The Ghost Map is a lovely idea, and its vanished stations and cinemas call out to be reanimated. Here’s something to add: the Lava Rink, one of the first rollerskating rinks in England. The floor was apparently covered with a layer of lava from Vesuvius. It was on Grove Lane, directly behind Denmark Hill station, and can be seen on the Ordnance Survey map of 1914.

  6. Thanks for the feedback on the map, everyone, and feel free to let me have more suggestions. It’s in a really early stage at the moment and I don’t have a lot of spare time to devote to it, but I’ll do my best to look at all of your recommendations.

    @Carole: What a kind offer, thanks. I need to get a new scanner, then I’ll get in touch with you to borrow them.

    @Eleanor: Thanks for the tip; I found this mention of it online, with some nice bill posters: http://www.arthurlloyd.co.uk/Camberwell.htm

    BTW: Some nice pictures of old Camberwell on the wall in The Tiger; nice to see them using a bit of heritage.

  8. The Ghost map will grow to be a thing of wonder. And living history.

    When you have the time and will to add text to the pubs ask and I will dredge my memory.

    The Denmark was a deeply grimy place run by Cliff and Lloyd on behalf of a bedridden old dear that I never met. It had its low points too.

    The King Billy was run by Terry, an old-fashioned and very correct landlord. If you wanted to swear you were expected to be in the saloon.

    The Station, as it was once, kept everyone one their best behaviour. The Richardsons didn’t like people behaving badly. As The Bear it’s more welcoming.

    The quickest way to the Ladies in The Grove was through the Gents. Nobody seemed to mind.

    Both The Alma and Father Red Cap had firearms incidents. It’s not a recent development. They continue blithely in business.

    Damn! I’ve spent far too long in Camberwell’s pubs.

  9. Anyone know where the second world war radio interception station was located in Denmark Hill? It wasn’t an official Y station as I understand it but certainly did interception work.

    Possibly in a police building of the time? There were two police radio interception units, one in Lancashire and one in Denmark Hill, and the latter may be one and the same as the station I am seeking the address of.

    It’s for a pilot project am working on with the Science Museum, any tips gratefully received. Thanks

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