Camberwell is an important part of the London Borough of Southwark, the city’s most historic borough. This vibrant part of South London is full of fascinating history. It was the birthplace of the poet Robert Browning and the politician Joseph Chamberlain. It was also home to authors John Ruskin and Muriel Spark. Mendolssohn was inspired to write his ‘Spring Song’, originally entitled ‘Camberwell Green’, while staying at Denmark Hill, where Ruskin Park is today.

Author and historian Eddie Brazil grew up in Camberwell and from the early 1970s began to photograph his surroundings, knowing that developers were changing the district and that it would never be the same again. In this collection of previously unpublished images, local histories and people’s stories he illustrates the history of this South London district, providing a fascinating insight for newcomers and some valuable memories for long-time residents.