The
Crystal Palace
Foundation

By Beryl Cheeseman

1854 Penge Place, Upper Norwood – the new location for the Crystal Palace transferred from Hyde Park, London. Change followed very quickly from the once rural quiet countryside to a very desirable residential, expanding area. Hotels, railway stations and property opened up a new life and environment to the small Victorian population.

The main route from the Crystal Palace to Streatham saw at this time several established houses standing in what is now Oxford Road, more were added and in course of time a ‘New Town’ came to be established. Gradually high walls were erected all round the area causing dismay to the local inhabitants, but slowly and gradually a community spirit grew within the walls with each passing generation.

The book captures the social conditions at the end of the nineteenth century and the first two decades of the twentieth century, ending when the controversial enclosing wall was finally demolished about 1930.

Beryl is descended from four generations living in New Town so has detailed and intimate knowledge of the residents and the area.

With a comprehensive list of New Town residents, businesses and streets from 1880 to 1930.

NOW BACK IN PRINT AFTER MORE THAN 20 YEARS and with 70 digitally enhanced illustrions

Paperback 127 pages