Tanner Street Park – Bermondsey Street Back Stories Number 1

Bermondsey Street Back Stories Number 1: Tanner Street Park’s 90th Anniversary By Jennie Howells May 2019 The Opening of Tanner Street Park in 1929 90th Anniversary Tanner Street Park lies at the junction of Tanner Street and Bermondsey Street, to the south of London Bridge station, Tooley Street and Tower Bridge. It was established in 1929 so this year is the 90th anniversary of its opening. It also celebrates the restoration and renovation of an important historical feature. Site of the Bermondsey Workhouse The park was laid out on land that had originally belonged to Bermondsey Abbey. This was later occupied by the Bermondsey Workhouse, built in 1791. The building was altered and extended, but was always subject to flooding and frequently overcrowded. Over the years conditions improved although it was never, nor was it intended to be, a welcoming place. It became known locally as ‘the Bastille’, formidable and dreaded by all. The Floor Plan of the workhouse in early years (Russell St has since been renamed Tanner St) For a temporary period, from 1915 to c1918, the workhouse building became a refuge for convalescent Belgian soldiers who would be referred on to another hospital, discharged or returned to their units. The hospital also provided office accommodation for the Military Bureau as well as temporary hospitality for soldiers on leave. A Park for Bermondsey’s Children The long and sometimes distressing history of the workhouse came to an end when, by 1928, it was closed and finally demolished. Bermondsey Borough Council owned half the site and the other half was purchased from charity trustees on condition that it was used as an open space. Estimates were obtained by the Borough Council but further funding was needed to cover the expense of providing a park and recreation area. Dr Alfred Salter, a well-respected local physician was returned three times as MP for West Bermondsey. Motivated by a concern with public health and especially the health and welfare of children, he played a significant role in the story of Tanner Street Park. A Short Diversion to St Olave’s The 11th century church of St Olave stood on Tooley Street. It was rebuilt in the late 18th century and again after being damaged by fires in the 19th century. By the beginning of the 20th century the congregation had dwindled to 13, consisting mainly of those connected with the surrounding warehouses. In 1918, the Ecclesiastical Commissioners applied to declare the church redundant – but its tower was to remain. There were plans for the tower. These included turning it into a visitor attraction with a viewing platform for a small charge but it proved expensive to maintain and fell into disrepair. After the demolition of the church, half of the land on which it had stood eventually passed to Bermondsey Borough Council in 1926. It was to be used for the purpose of establishing a public space which was to be called St Olave’s Garden. The other half had been sold by the Commissioners and was owned by Hay’s Wharf Company. In 1928, the Council put forward a proposal that a law should be passed allowing the demolition of the tower and the sale of their half of the site to raise money to purchase the old workhouse site on Tanner Street. This caused lively debate in parliament. Approval from Parliament Dr Salter, on behalf of the Council, argued for this against vigorous opposition from other MPs. This was based largely on the mistaken belief that the 18th century tower was medieval. There was also a view that the proposed demolition and sale would be a reversal of the original intention to provide an open space on the land. This was despite the fact that the site was between warehouses, dark, narrow and sunless. It was also most unsuitable for children who would have to cross the busy and congested Tooley Street to reach it. Dr Salter gave an impassioned speech describing the desperate circumstances of many of the local young people who lived in rundown properties with no backyards, let alone gardens. ‘How could thousands of eager and expectant children be disappointed?’ he demanded. Following a long debate, the Bermondsey Borough Council (St Olave’s Garden) Bill was passed in 1928. The vote was 149 in favour of demolition and sale and 87 against. Successful Fundraising Detailed planning and fundraising for the park took place later that year. Donations towards the park came from the Carnegie Foundation (£1000) the Reginald Clifford Poulter Open Spaces Trust (£1000) as well as the City Corporation, the London County Council, the Alderman Catchpole Fund and Hay’s Wharf Ltd. (all £500). Once a Workhouse, now a Playground At last, on a Saturday afternoon in May 1929, the grand opening of the park took place. It was attended by many officials and visiting dignitaries. Speakers included Dr Alfred Salter, Mrs. Eveline Lowe for the London County Council and Sir Arthur Crosfield, Chair of the Council of National Playing Fields. The Mayor of Bermondsey was presented with a souvenir key and he pronounced the park open, declaring “Once a workhouse, now a playground. What a wonderful transformation!” Dr Alfred Salter plants a tree at the grand opening in 1929 Dancing, Netball, Cricket, Football and More Hundreds of excited children watched the ceremony and waited impatiently for the numerous speeches to be over. Once this was done, they raced into the park. Many had not seen a green space before and had certainly not had the opportunity to enjoy anything like the modern sports facilities on offer. There were three enclosures for cricket, football and netball practice and two hard tennis courts. Girls from Snowsfields and Webb Street schools played a netball match and teams from Snowsfields and Laxon Street schools held a cricket match. The girls from Riley Street school gave a dancing display around the maypole. This tradition has been revived in recent years when, at the annual Bermondsey Street Festival there is also a maypole and dancing display. The afternoon ended with tea for all at one of the local schools. Sports Facilities in Tanner Street Park 1930 A Reminder of St Olave’s To commemorate the history of the park, the capping turret from the demolished tower of St Olave’s church was erected in the grounds. It was fitted with a water fountain and placed next to the handsome building containing the park keeper’s quarters, tool room, lavatories and changing rooms. The turret is now designated a Grade II listed monument. Beautification Mrs Ada Salter was a pioneering councillor and Mayor of Bermondsey. She was also leader and founder of the innovative Bermondsey Council Beautification Committee programme of tree planting and distribution of floral shrubs and bulbs. Many of the plants and shrubs for Tanner Street and other parks were cultivated in the gardens of Fairby Grange, a large house and land in Kent, which had been donated by the Salters to the Council. More Recent Developments The park was extended in the 1960s and continued to welcome generations of local residents and children. Over the years it deteriorated and was in need of renovation and refurbishment. After consultation with the local community, this was provided by Southwark Council and the park had another rather more informal grand opening in 2003. The condition of the capping turret was also causing concern. It was no longer a water fountain and the stonework and plinth were unstable. It was repaired and cleaned in 2018. The former pavilion with changing rooms which had lain derelict for some years was sensitively restored and is now a popular local restaurant. The Restored St Olave’s Turret and Pavilion (2018) .

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