Metropolitan Borough of Camberwell

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Camberwell
London County Council County of London
Metropolitan Borough of Camberwell shown within the County of London
Status: Metropolitan borough
Admin. HQ: Camberwell Road
Created: 1900
Abolished: 1965
Successor: London Borough of Southwark


The Metropolitan Borough of Camberwell was a metropolitan borough in the County of London. It was created in 1900 by the London Government Act 1899, covering the area of the ancient parish of Camberwell. In 1965 it was amalgamated with the Metropolitan Borough of Southwark and the Metropolitan Borough of Bermondsey to form the London Borough of Southwark.

It included the following villages:

Contents

[edit] Statistics

The area of the borough was 4,480 statute acres (18.13 square kilometres). The population, as recorded at the census[1], was:

  • 1801: 7,059
  • 1811: 11,309
  • 1821: 17,876
  • 1831: 28,231
  • 1841: 39,868
  • 1851: 54,667
  • 1861: 71,488
  • 1871: 111,306
  • 1881: 186,593
  • 1891: 235,344
  • 1901: 259,339
  • 1911: 261,328
  • 1921: 267,198
  • 1931: 251,294
  • 1951: 179,777
  • 1961: 175,304

[edit] Coat of arms

Arms of the metropolitan borough
Arms of the metropolitan borough

The corporation was granted arms in 1901. The shield depicted the main areas of the borough. In the first and fourth quarter was a well, for Camberwell. The second quarter was for Dulwich: the chevron and cinquefoils from the arms of Edward Alleyn, founder of Dulwich College. The third quarter represented Peckham: the lion was from the arms of Robert, Earl of Gloucester, one time lord of the manor.

The crest depicted a wounded hart, symbol of St Giles, patron saint of Camberwell.

In 1927 the borough was additionally granted an heraldic badge and standard. The badge depicted a Camberwell Beauty butterfly.

[edit] Politics

From 1900 to 1934 the borough was controlled by the Municipal Reform Party (allied to the Conservatives). In 1934 the Labour Party gained control, which they retained until abolition in 1965.

For elections to Parliament, the borough was divided into three constituencies:

In 1918 the borough's representation was increased to four seats:

In 1950 the number of seats was halved to 2:

[edit] References

  1. ^ Statistical Abstract for London, 1901 (Vol. IV). Census Tables for the Metropolitan Borough of Camberwell