20th century transformation
The 18th and 19th centuries saw an increase in population and the village thrived. However, there were still only 2000 residents in the late 19th century, far fewer than neighbouring Camberwell and Peckham.
The Estate Governors set out to retain as much open space as possible, even when under pressure to develop housing. Until the Edwardian period (1901-1910) the policy was to develop the edges of The Estate while keeping the centre as rural as possible. In the 1860s they agreed to four railway lines being built and a period of intensive development followed. Many semi-detached and terraced housing developments such as Court Lane, Burbage Road and Croxted Road were built.
Victorian terraced street at South Croxted Road
Pickwick Road by architects Robin & North, built by Thomas Kingsman
Edwardian semi-detached house on Stradella Road
