Monthly local history talks are on the third Thursday of the month. Bookings can be made in advance using Eventbrite
For further enquiries please contact Ruth Hibberd,
Thursday 15 January 2026 7.30pm to 9.00pm
Talk: Local resident John Hawks describes Sydenham Hill’s great Victorian houses some which live on in new roles but many others have disappeared. The Phoenix Centre, Westow Street, London SE19 3AF.
Booking £3: www.eventbrite.co.uk
Thursday 11 December 2025, 7.30pm-9pm
Social: Society members are cordially invited to join us for the annual Christmas Social event at Phoenix Centre, Westow Street, London SE19 3AF. We look forward to seeing you there. Activities include a Norwood Quiz and members are invited to bring, show and tell us about an item of historical interest. There will be refreshments including wine and donations are welcome. There is no talk in December.
Thursday 20 November 2025 7.30pm
Talk: Dr Jane Jordan describes how Henry Doulton’s Lambeth Art Pottery employed female ceramic designers and decorators. The Phoenix Centre, Westow Street, London SE19 3AF.
Booking £3: www.eventbrite.co.uk
Thursday 16 October 2025 7.30pm
Talk: Stephen Oxford local historian describes the history of Beulah Hill, once the location where numerous interesting and wealthy people lived in grand houses. The Phoenix Centre, Westow Street, London SE19 3AF.
Booking £3: www.eventbrite.co.uk
The Norwood Society invites you to our walks in the Summer of 2025.
* Due to an accident Selina Rice is unable to lead walks this summer therefore Stephen Oxford has agreed to step in as a replacement
- Crystal Palace and its links to West Norwood Cemetery
by Selina Rice* - The Descent of Gipsy Hill
by Selina Rice* - Belvedere Road and the Cintra Park Estate
by Selina Rice* - Beulah Hill Guided Walk
by Stephen Oxford
Follow the links for more information and direct booking via Eventbrite.
Thursday 17 April 2025, 7.30pm
Talk: The diary of Clara Luscombe, wife of a shipowner who lived in Church Road. The family lived here in the 1850s and 1860s and two of their sons played rugby for England. This will be a short talk by Stuart Hibberd at 7.30pm
AGM: The talk will be followed by the Norwood Society AGM at 8.00pm
Both events will be held at The Upper Norwood Library and are open to anyone wishing to attend but the refreshments after the AGM are for Society members. No need to book.
If you wish to nominate someone to stand for election as an Officer or as a member of the Executive Committee please contact the secretary:
Thursday 20 March 2025 7.30pm
Talk: Angela Morgan will delve into Ira Aldridge’s family life, their personal stories that are mixed with pride, tragedy and a legacy of a husband, father and once lauded tragedian. In early 19th century England, as a free black man from America, Ira Aldridge’s entrance into theatrical circles was not easy. He received many accolades and honours. How did his family fare, particularly after his premature death whilst working in Poland in 1867?
Booking £3: www.eventbrite.co.uk
Thursday 20 February 2025 7.30pm
Talk: Ruth Hibberd, local historian, delves into the rich history of Central Hill - the gateway to Upper Norwood. Discover the history of its buildings including the Norwood Convent, Broomfield Hall, Essex Lodge, Central Hill Lodge, Central Hill Baptist Church and the Central Hill Estate. Explore the lives of some of its key residents including Alice Abadam campaigner for women’s suffrage, Alexander Bassano a famous Victorian society photographer, Augustus Manns musical director of the Crystal Palace and Walter Whittard tea merchant.
Booking £3: www.eventbrite.co.uk
Thursday 16 January 2025 7.30pm
Talk: John Prideaux, a local historian, will share his research on houses and residents that have stood within the grounds of the Crystal Palace. The talk will explore both the homes that pre-dated the arrival of the Palace and those built after the Palace had opened.
Booking £3: www.eventbrite.co.uk