Last stop on the Victoria Line: Bustling Brixton
Did you know?
Brixton has had a
market since the 1870s.
Brixton is a vibrant area in south west London. The area has been a hub for music for over a century - from Victorian music halls to Jamaican dance halls. Eric Clapton, Dire Straits, The Smiths, Madonna and Bob Dylan have all played live music in Brixton.

During the early 1920s, Brixton had nine cinemas, theatre, music halls and other entertainment. It was also the principle shopping area in south London in 1908. Bon Marché was a large department store which sold a wide variety of goods. It was the first purpose-built department store in the UK and opened in 1877.

Brixton has a large African-Caribbean population. In 1948, The Empire Windrush sailed from Jamaica to England carrying 492 people who settled in south London. Today the lively street market reflects the different cultures that live in Brixton.

Picture
Brixton Windmill
We meet at Brixton Station (on the Victoria Line or train from Victoria Station) and end at Herne Hill Station.



On the walk we see:
  • Bon Marché Department Store - opened 1877
  • Brixton Market, 1870s
  • Walton Lodge Steam Laundry
  • Ritzy, 1911
  • Tate Library, 1892
  • Lambeth Town Hall
  • Electric Brixton
  • Brixton Windmill, 1816
  • Brockwell Park & Hall
  • Windrush Square

    We introduce ourselves over coffee before beginning the walk.
Did you know?
The Tate Library was built by philanthropist, Sir Henry Tate,
owner of Tate & Lyle sugar company.
Tate & Lyle invented the sugar cube!
Picture
Sir Henry Tate, sugar merchant and founder of Tate & Lyle sugar company.
Picture
The foundation stone of Brixton Theatre, 1894. It was destroyed in World War Two.

Go over the new vocabulary at the end

We finish at Herne Hill where we relax over a coffee while we go over the new vocabulary together.

Ask your teacher and guide any questions.
Picture
Walton Lodge Steam Laundry, 1895

Herne Hill station is on the train line direct to Brixton and Victoria Station.
Picture
Brixton Village Market

History notes will be given to you at the end.

Picture
Market Row

Don't forget the VOCABULARY! After your walk, you will find the new vocab here ...
Picture
Granville Arcade (now called Brixton Village)
Did you know?
Between 1910 - 1915, Brixton
had nine cinemas. Some were underneath the railway arches.
Picture
The Ritzy Cinema
After your walk, find the new vocabulary on the BLOG!

Find dates and prices.
(click here).
Picture
Lambeth Town Hall, 1908
Did you know?
Electric Avenue was one of
the first streets in London to
be lit by electricity.
Picture
Brockwell Park
Picture
Little Ben, 1905. This clock had to be wound up once a week.
Did you know?
Marcus Garvey Way replaced buildings damaged during the Brixton Riots, 1981. Marcus Garvey was an African Rights campaigner, born in Jamaica 1887. He died in London, 1940.
Picture
A market stall