In the ever-evolving landscape of South London, it’s hard to fathom that a single street has remained untouched for centuries. Roupell Street, a mere five-minute stroll from Waterloo Station, is a world apart from the towering skyscrapers and bustling traffic that characterise the city.
This charming street, lined with quaint Georgian cottages, is a popular filming location for shows like EastEnders, Doctor Who, Call the Midwife, Mr Selfridge, and the Kray twins biopic, Legend. Despite its prime location, housing developers have been unsuccessful in securing planning permission for future developments, likely due to the street’s Conservation Area status and listed buildings.
When properties on Roupell Street do hit the market, they often fetch well over a million, according to Zoopla. Here’s why this South London gem is so special.
Enduring major historical events
Housewives would paint kerbs white to help traffic along Roupell Street in the Blitz
(Image: Harry Todd/Fox Photos/Getty Images)
Roupell Street has weathered major historical events and remains a testament to times gone by. Originally named after the wealthy Roupell family who owned the land, John Roupell seized the opportunity to develop the area in 1824. Surrounding streets were initially named after his family members, but have since been renamed.
It’s believed that up to 20 Londoners once crammed into a single dwelling – blacksmiths, nurses, butchers, teachers, and builders all shared the same roof. It’s quite astonishing to think that houses initially designed for the less affluent are now occupied by the wealthy – such is the transformation of London.
What’s more, Roupell Street has withstood major railway expansions, the Blitz, and eager property developers, earning it the title of ‘impossibly handsome’ by Time Out.
The birthplace of the circus
It’s hard to imagine an acrobat riding a horse down present-day Roupell Street
(Image: Stevekeiretsu / wikimedia commons)
The origins of the circus can be traced back to this very street when British equestrian Philip Astley performed an acrobatic horse riding act in 1768. He introduced clowns, jugglers, and tightrope walkers to his performances, which were so popular that he even performed for King Louis XV. A blue plaque honouring Philip’s contributions to the world of circus can be found at the end of Roupell Street.
A popular film set
Roupell Street is also a favourite location for film sets. Residents must get a kick out of seeing their homes featured in blockbuster films, and having Tom Hardy stroll past your house for Legend must be quite a thrill.
The late Dame Barbara Windsor filmed her final scenes as Peggy Mitchell alongside on-screen son Phil Mitchell (Steve McFadden) for EastEnders, with Roupell Street serving as the backdrop for the original Mitchell family home.
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