Blue plaque winners

Bermondsey Abbey

Originally a Benedictine Monastery founded in 1082

Bermondsey Priory converted into an Abbey late in the fourteenth century, and was an English Benedictine monastery founded in 1082, by Alwin Child, a Londoner, for Cluniac monks from the monastery of La Charitê de Dieu on the Loire , which continued to supply its priors until 1372.

Bermondsey Abbey took seven years to build and used to occupy what is now Bermondsey Square , the site of Bermondsey Market.  

Charlie Drake, 1952 to 2006

Comedian, stage, television and film star

Born Charles Edward Springall, June 19, 1925 Elephant and Castle. Charlie Drake made his first appearance on stage aged eight, and after leaving school began his career as an entertainer, starting off his work in men's clubs. Charlie Drake made his television debut on 'The Centre Show' in 1953 and then went on to appear in television shows such as 'Laughter in Store', 'Drake's Progress', 'Charlie Drake In.' and 'The Charlie Drake Show', which gave birth to his catchphrase "Hello, my darlings!"

Drake also appeared in some not so successful films, and recorded a number of records with his first hit 'Splish, splash' entering the UK top ten.

Charlie Drake died December 23, 2006 aged 81 in Brinsworth House, Twickenham, Middlesex.

East Street Market 'The Lane', Since 1880

The people's market and market site

East Street Market is busy and vibrant market, with over 250 market stalls, there is something for everyone!

Locally know as 'The Lane', East Street market has been a market site since 1880.

Father Nick Richards at St Mary's Church, 1942 to 2006

Local and well respected Vicar with 29 years of service

From local people to businesses, Father Nick was a well known and valued member of the Rotherhithe community, who early this year, after his passing, received a Southwark Civic Award from the Mayor of Southwark, Councillor Bob Skelly, for humanity and dedicated services to the community across Southwark.  

Keib Thomas, 1946 to 2007

Dedicated to the community and diversity

Keib Thomas played an active community role in North Southwark and worked with community organisations such as, Bede House, Southwark Action for Volunteers Organisation, as well as working for Morley College at their Volunteer coordinator.  He was dedicated to the community and diversity, and was considered very much a people person.

Keib, also, lent his community skills to the police to for community projects within the borough.

Kenny Sansom, 1958

Arsenal and England footballer

Kenneth Graham Sansom was born September 26, 1958 in Camberwell, and is one of the famous Arsenal and England footballer to hail form Southwark!  

Kenny Samson currently holds the record for an England national football team full back, and has appeared from 1979 to 1988, 86 times for his country.

Nunhead Cemetery,  Consecrated in 1840

One of London 's seven, great Victorian cemeteries

Nunhead Cemetery is one of Southwark's hidden treasures. It is perhaps the least known, but the most attractive, of the seven Victorian cemeteries on the outskirts of London .

It has many magnificent monuments in memory of the most important and well-respected people of the day. These monuments sit alongside smaller headstones, which mark common or public burials.  

Nunhead Cemetery 's formal avenues of towering lime trees and original Victorian planting give it a truly Gothic feel. Its history, architecture and stunning views make it a fascinating and beautiful place to visit. 

While much of the cemetery is mysterious and overgrown, many of its features have recently been restored to their former glory. This is thanks to funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund and Southwark Council.  

The Friends of Nunhead Cemetery (FONC) play a very active role in the life of the cemetery and run guided tours.

Sam King MBE, 1926

Southwark's first black mayor

Born in Portland , Jamaica in 1926, King first experienced England on active service with the RAF in 1944, before arriving back permanently on the Empire Windrush in 1948. He became a councillor in 1982 and Southwark's first black mayor in 1983. At that time, he was the only black mayor in Britain . In 1998, he received a well deserved MBE for his outstanding services to his community. His achievements included organising the first Notting Hill carnival and the first black newspaper (The West Indian Gazette) and his services as Governor of William Penn School, Grove Vale School and Eltham Grove.

St Giles's Door in Benhill Road

St Giles's door now stands alone on Benhill Road , but was previously a 'Summer House' in the Vicarage garden.  

Peter Tatchell, 1952

Human rights activist

Peter Tatchell is a Southwark resident who campaigns for 'human rights, democracy and world justice'. 

An active campaigner, Peter Tatchell had spearheaded many demonstrations across the globe.  He has also written and contributed to over twenty books such as, Europe in the Pink - Lesbian & Gay Equality in The New Europe, to The Battle for Bermondsey.