Nunhead
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Nunhead | |
| Location | |
|---|---|
| OS grid reference: | TQ355755 |
| Administration | |
| London borough: | Southwark |
| County level: | Greater London |
| Region: | London |
| Constituent country: | England |
| Sovereign state: | United Kingdom |
| Other | |
| Ceremonial county: | Greater London |
| Historic county: | Kent |
| Services | |
| Police force: | Metropolitan Police |
| Fire brigade: | London Fire Brigade |
| Ambulance service: | London Ambulance |
| Post office and telephone | |
| Post town: | LONDON |
| Postal district: | SE15 |
| Dialling code: | 020 |
| Politics | |
| UK Parliament: | Camberwell and Peckham |
| London Assembly: | Lambeth and Southwark |
| European Parliament: | London |
| London | List of places in London | |
Nunhead is a place in the London Borough of Southwark near Peckham and New Cross. The St. Thomas the Apostle College is situated in Hollydale Road. Nunhead also contains Nunhead Cemetery, a Victorian cemetery.
Contents |
[edit] Overview
The Nunhead Priority Neighbourhood is located between Queens Road to the north and Nunhead Cemetery in the south, with the eastern border being the borough boundary with Lewisham and the western border running from Peckham Rye (east side) and up Rye Lane. From May 2001, it comprises most of the new Nunhead ward, and parts of The Lane and Peckham Rye wards.
The neighbourhood is predominantly a residential area, with small pockets of light industry around Brayards and Consort Road. Most of the neighbourhood is within walking distance of one of the three overground rail stations at Nunhead, Peckham Rye and Queens Road. Bus routes are along the main roads around the edge of the neighbourhood. As well as the commercial centre along Rye Lane, there is a small shopping street at Nunhead.
There is a mix of housing tenure, ages and styles. Social housing comprises about half of the housing, lower than the Southwark average. This has been built over various periods, and mainly comprises smaller estates, interspersed with private sector housing. Parts of the neighbourhood comprise streets of 19th century and early 20th century terraced housing. These are either owner-occupied or private rented, with some used for multiple occupation. Not all of this property is in good repair.
There are few public services within the neighbourhood. Close to the Nunhead shops is an Early Years Centre and the Nunhead Library. There are four primary schools (Hollydale, John Donne, Peckham Rye, St. Mary Magdalene) and one special school, with one secondary school located in the neighbourhood. There is one voluntary sector youth club, and youth activities based at one of the primary schools. The Nunhead Community Education Centre is based in one of the primary schools. There are a small number of other voluntary sector organisations based in the neighbourhood offering childcare, family support, or employment training services. The main community structures are tenants and residents groups and the local churches. The major open space is at Peckham Rye, with a local park at Nunhead Green.
The population of the neighbourhood is fairly stable, with a higher proportion of older people than is usual in some other neighbourhoods. Black and ethnic minority communities comprise around 45% of the population, with those of black African-Caribbean origin being the largest group.
This neighbourhood presents an outward picture of calm, tree-lined streets, and has not been in the headlines as an area of concern.
[edit] Population Statistics
These are for the neighbourhood as defined by the Southwark Alliance from the 2001 census:
- Population of approximately 10,000
- About 45% come from black and ethnic minority communities
- 40% of households live in properties owned by the Council and a further 11% in housing association properties
- 52% of people in the economically active age group are in employment
- Unemployment is 7%
- 30% of those aged 16-74 have no qualifications
- 19% of people have a limiting long-term illness
[edit] Nunhead Reservoir and Cemetery
Nunhead also houses a man-made, covered, water reservoir that was built to serve south London. It is a marvel of modern engineering as it completely covered. Part of the roof is used by the Aquarius Golf Club. The reservoir also offers fantastic views of central London.
Another noticeable asset to Nunhead is the cemetery. Nunhead Cemetery is perhaps the least well known, but most attractive, of the great Victorian Cemeteries of London. Consecrated in 1840, it is one of the seven great Victorian cemeteries established in a ring around the outskirts of London. It contains examples of the magnificent monuments erected in memory of the most eminent citizens of the day, which contrast sharply with the small, simple headstones marking common, or public, burials. Its formal avenue of towering limes and the Gothic gloom of the original Victorian planting gives way to paths which recall the country lanes of a bygone era. Rumours continue to linger of devil worship and other forms of "dark" activities. The Cemetery is also the host to an interesting cultural event, the "Nunhead Cemetery Open Day". People are offered tours of the Cemetery and many other fantastic activities for adults and youngsters are available, including bug hunting and looking at gravestones.
