Du Cane Court

Du Cane Court is an Art Deco apartment block on Balham High Road, Balham, south London. A distinctive local landmark, it was opened in 1937 and, with 676 apartments, is the largest privately owned block of flats under one roof in Europe. It is so distinctive (at least from a great height in the air) that it was reputedly used as a navigational landmark by German pilots bombing London during the Second World War.

It was a popular place to live for many music hall stars in the 1930s and 1940s and boasted a social club, on the top floor, before the area was converted into flats. Past residents have included the comedian Tommy Trinder.[1] Currently comedian and writer Arthur Smith, the self-styled 'Bard of Balham', is a resident.

During the Second World War it was speculated that Du Cane Court had escaped bombing because it was planned for use by military officers in the event of a successful German invasion.[2][3] This and related legends were explored by writer Steve Punt in a 2009 BBC Radio 4 programme called Punt PI.[4]

References

  1. ↑ Vincent, Gregory K. (2008). A history of Du Cane Court : land, architecture, people and politics. Woodbine. ISBN 0-9541675-1-1.
  2. ↑ Taw, Susannah. "Streets of London: Chestnut Grove, SW12". Time Out.
  3. ↑ Noble, Heather. "The Story of Bevin's Babes". BBC.
  4. ↑ Punt Pi at Radiolistings

External links

Coordinates: 51°26′29″N 0°09′25″W / 51.44149°N 0.15681°W / 51.44149; -0.15681


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