Property for sale or rent in Elephant and Castle SE1, SE11, SE17
The name Elephant and Castle comes from an inn of that name, which stood in the area since at least 1765. (No-one really knows the name’s derivation, although it’s been erroneously suggested it has something to do with the medieval Infanta de Castilla.)
Previously, the area was known as Newington (Newington Butts and Newington Causeway are two of the principal roads of the area). The rather more mundane derivation of that name is simply a linking of ‘new’ and ‘town’. In the Middle Ages, the area was simply a part of the manor of Walworth in Surrey.
The district became increasingly important after the creation of Westminster Bridge in 1750 and the improvements in London Bridge in the same period.
As a result, the neighbourhood became a built-up part of London during the late Georgian and Victorian periods. The railway arrived here in 1863 and the first deep-level tube line, now part of the Northern Line's City Branch, in 1890. Both the middle-class and working-class populations increased, the first settling on the major roads, the latter on the streets behind.
The major 1960s developments were to replace bombed out properties from the war. Fleming House (1959), originally a group of government office blocks and now a residential complex known as Metro Central Heights, is a prime example of the work of the Hungarian modernist architect Erno Goldfinger.
In recent times, the area has had a reputation for successful ethnic diversity and centrality, and many of London’s Latino population live here – a ‘Latin corridor’ of new homes and shops is also planned. Its closeness to Westminster, the West End and the City has meant that it’s gone up in the world, but the good news is that prices aren’t yet stratospheric.
There’s a £1.5 billion plan to regenerate the district over the next 15 years. Many of the post-war housing blocks will be replaced by better designed buildings, including an art gallery and library. One of the first to go will the pink shopping centre at the heart of Elephant and Castle, which will be little lamented.
Charlie Chaplin grew up around here, as did Michael Caine (although not a lot of people know that).
Local attractions include the Imperial War Museum, and the less well-known but highly fascinating Cuming Museum, home to over 8,000 interesting objects from around the world.
There are no major green spaces in the district, but Burgess Park and Kennington Park aren’t too far off. There is the Elephant and Castle Urban Forest though; not quite as exciting as it sounds.
Properties in Elephant & Castle
Many ex-council properties and houses are available, particularly off the Walworth Road. There are also a few elegant Georgian townhouses to be found. Now is a great time to buy, as with the regeneration underway, prices are likely to rise considerably.
Buying or renting in Elephant and Castle – useful information
Transport links – Elephant and Castle tube serves both the Northern and Bakerloo lines, and also offers a mainline station. Kennington, Lambeth North and Borough tubes are also in the vicinity. Nearby Westminster Bridge makes getting to the West End or City via one of the many buses both quick and easy. For more details, see Transport for London
Schools – Lots and lots of primary schools to choose from; too many to mention here. Secondary schools include the new Walworth Academy. The London College of Communication (formerly the London College of Printing) and London Southbank University are also on your doorstep. For more information, see the School League Tables
Places of interest in Elephant and Castle – Imperial War Museum • Elephant and Castle Urban Forest • Cuming Museum • Ministry of Sound nightclub • The Feminist Library
Local Authority – Southwark. Details of amenities, council tax rates and more are on the Southwark Council website
Find out more about property in Elephant and Castle
Outlet Estate Agents have a good choice of property for both sale and rent in Elephant and Castle, particularly flats, apartments and maisonettes. For current property, see properties for sale or to rent in Elephant and Castle.
In addition, anyone with property to rent or for sale in Elephant and Castle or elsewhere in SE1, SE11 or SE17 is welcome to contact us.
It’s also worth looking at some of our property guides covering nearby areas. These include:
Bermondsey Property Guide
Waterloo Property Guide
Kennington Property Guide
Vauxhall Property Guide
For further information on living, buying, selling, renting or letting in Elephant and Castle, please contact us
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