The Island Then and Now
1. Alpha Road/Alpha Grove
Top Picture:
Bay-windowed houses dating back to 1900 or before, with St.Luke's Church (1872) in the background.This photograph was taken early in the 20th century from a point approximately opposite the Alpha Road Methodist Chapel on the corner of Malabar Street.
Lower picture:
The same view, September 8th, 2004. In the distance, new building within the dock area.
Most of the old housing was either destroyed in the war or pulled down afterwards; new blocks of flats and maisonettes were built in the 1960s and 1970s.. St.Luke's church also suffered severe bomb damage, and was replaced by a smaller church within the church hall.
The Methodist Chapel is now a community centre.
2. East Ferry Road
Top picture:
Looking north along East Ferry Road with Launch Street on the right of the picture, before the First World War. On the corner was a provision shop, and then Clarke's, the newsagents. On the near corner was a dairy and out of the picture was a bank and Post Office. Next to Oliver's, on the left, was East Ferry Engineering Co., who made the hydraulic cranes used in the docks. After the war, their site was taken over by Thorne's the builder.
Lower picture:
The same view on September 8th, 2004. The north end of East Ferry Road in lined with post-war housing and on the site of East Ferry Engineering (out of picture) is a modern block of flats and an estate agent's office. There are shops in Castalia Square. The George pub still stands on the corner with Glengall Grove (out of picture on the right).
3. The Rope Walk
Top picture
Making rope at Hawkins and Tipson's Globe Rope Works in East Ferry Road, probably 1930s.The firm occupied this site between 1881 and 1971.
Lower picture
The same view on September 9th, 2004. On the right, Millwall Park. The old rope walk is now a pedestrian link between East Ferry Road and Stebondale Street.
Modern photographs by Island History volunteer Brian Conn