Bermondsey: Old London meets modern living

Bermondsey is a diverse district in the south of the capital that's full of old London character and has a wide choice of properties to rent, from luxury apartments in converted warehouses to Georgian townhouses and post war terraces.

Part of the London borough of Southwark, Bermondsey is one of the last remaining parts of London where a genuine cockney accent can be heard. Yet it is also a haven for young professionals and City workers thanks to its proximity to London's major business districts.

History of the area

Bermondsey is one of the oldest parks of Southwark and it is believed to have been home to a Benedictine monastery during Saxon times. There is also evidence of Roman occupation.

It began to develop in the late 17th century, with wealthy people moving into the area after the Plague and the Great Fire of London. Then in the 18th century a natural spring was discovered and Bermondsey became a spa town.

Industrial development arrived in the 18th and 19th centuries and the district became a major centre for the production of leather.  But while the businesses thrived, parts of Bermondsey became a notorious slum.

The area around St Saviour's Dock, known as Jacob's Island, was one of the worst in London, and was immortalised by Charles Dickens in his novel Oliver Twist.

Modern Bermondsey

Today Bermondsey looks very different and while the old London character is very much present, modern developments have turned the area into a diverse and attractive part of the capital. 

There are numerous top quality restaurants and chic cafes to be found, especially around the Butler's Wharf and Shad Thames areas, where old warehouses and factories have been converted into apartments that are highly sought after by people seeking property to rent in Bermondsey.

Residents will also find plenty of independent shops and boutiques, as well as some lovely riverside walks and green spaces, including Bermondsey Spa Gardens and Southwark Park.

Other popular attractions include Bermondsey antiques market, the London Design Museum at Shad Thames, the Fashion and Textile Museum on Bermondsey Street and the foodie haven of borough Market near London Bridge.

Redevelopment

While parts of Bermondsey are already well developed other parts need some work, and that's exactly what's underway at the moment. In this sense Bermondsey is seen as an up and coming area and one that will only become more vibrant and more exciting in the years to come.

Bermondsey Spa is one development under construction, set among interwar estates between Spa Road and Jamaica Road. More than 2,000 new homes are being built here in a number of blocks around the area.

There are also plans to construct new flats and public spaces on two of the last remaining undeveloped sites in Bermondsey - Chambers Wharf and Potters Field.

Location, Location, Location

One of the main attractions of living in Bermondsey is its location. It's situated in Zone One of the capital's public transport network, making it quick and easy to get to many of the city's major landmarks, attractions and places of work

Bermondsey Underground station is on the Jubilee Line, just two stops from Canary Wharf and within easy reach of Stratford to the east and Waterloo, Bond Street and Wembley Park to the west.

Nearby London Bridge station, which may actually be closer for some Bermondsey residents, is also on the Jubilee Line as well as the Northern Line. Overland trains also depart from London Bridge, taking passengers to various parts of the city as well as the south coast.
 

Published 19th October, 2012

© 2012 Estates IT Limited