May 2021

Local Hero: John Franks Vallentin VC

By spikewarren 27/05/2021Famous People

For conspicuous bravery on 7th November at Zillebeke. When leading the attack against the Germans under a very heavy fire he was struck down, and on rising to continue the attack was immediately killed. The capture of the enemy’s trenches which followed was in a great measure due to the confidence which the men had in their Captain, arising from his many previous acts of great bravery and ability.

Local Hero: George Jarratt VC

By spikewarren 25/05/2021Famous People

“all of us offer you our deepest sympathy that he did not live to receive the cross. I saw your husband shortly before he died, & I am quite sure that although so severely wounded, the shock was so great that he felt no pain. I could not help noting that he seemed extraordinarily bright & cheerful, & certainly was a splendid example of a magnificent man…Your husband will remain a hero to this battalion as long as it exists, & his name will help its members to try to live up to his magnificent example”

London’s first Carbon Neutral Office building

By spikewarren 22/05/2021Architecture, Firsts

London’s first carbon-neutral office building has taken a step forward after getting the go-ahead from Lambeth council. The development known as Paradise will replace the disused Costa Coffee roastery on…

Old Paradise Street and Gardens

By spikewarren 22/05/2021Parks

It is perhaps one of the more unusual street names in Kennington, but its name gives a clue to its past and perhaps to its potential future. Today the word…

Katherine Howard Kennington’s Queen

By spikewarren 21/05/2021Architecture, Famous People

The tragic story of Katherine Howard, the 5th wife of Henry VIII, whose childhood was stolen and who would later be betrayed by others. Married at the age of 17…

Gangland Assassination of Little legs Clifford

By spikewarren 14/05/2021Famous People

In the early hours of Saturday 28th September 1985, shortly after midnight, a contract killer knocks on the door of 126 Kennington Road. The door is answered by the victims'…

The Real IRA attack on MI6

By spikewarren 11/05/2021Architecture, Bombs

On Wednesday 20 September 2000 shortly before 10pm, the Real Irish Republican Army carried out an attack on MI6 SIS Building headquarters in Vauxhall. Using a Russian-built RPG-22 anti-tank rocket, they fired from Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens and struck the south side of the eighth floor, causing superficial damage.

Gas Explosion destroys 22 storey Tower Block

By spikewarren 08/05/2021Architecture

1.20am on June 26, 1997, Kennington was awoken by the noise of an enormous explosion. Concrete, debris and broken glass is strewn across the Ethelred Estate and the surrounding streets.