Place    From 13/7/1966 

Pepys Estate

Categories: Social Welfare

Built by the GLC, the Pepys Estate was opened by Earl Mountbatten. The section to the east of Grove Street stands on the site of the Royal Victoria Victualling Yard.

The excellent Municipal Dreams says " ... in 1958 ... the Admiralty agreed to sell the 11 acre site to the then London County Council for housing, principally for local people being displaced by the demolition of the run-down Victorian terraces which dominated the area. Clearance of the adjoining Grove Street and Windmill Lane areas created a 45 acre site on which eventually would be built around 1500 homes for a population of around 5000."

An information board reads "... The estate originally comprised of around 1,200 homes for local workers. The development was seen as a prestigious move forward in social housing, and a strong community spirit soon emerged. Even Queen Elizabeth II visited the estate. During her Silver Jubilee celebrations in 1977, Her Majesty arrived by river and climbed ‘Drake’s Step’s before meeting the cheering crowd of hundreds.”

The 26-floor Aragon Tower underwent a major renovation and in 2006 the accommodation, with another 3 floors, was sold off as luxury flats. It was claimed that this was necessary in order to regenerate the whole area but the locals were not convinced.

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This section lists the memorials where the subject on this page is commemorated:
Pepys Estate

Commemorated ati

David O'Hara

{Below a crown:} This plaque has been dedicated by the Pepys community in mem...

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Pepys Estate

The Pepys Estate was opened on 13th July 1966 by Admiral of the Fleet, The Ea...

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Other Subjects

Dr R. H. Whiteman

Dr R. H. Whiteman

Trustee of the Putney Pest House Charity, 1862.

Person, Politics & Administration, Social Welfare

1 memorial
Werner Robert Valentin Picht

Werner Robert Valentin Picht

German sociologist. An early historian of English settlements. Published 'Toynbee Hall and the English Settlement Movement' in 1913. Werner Robert Valentin Picht was born on 28 September 1887 in B...

Person, History, Social Welfare, Germany

1 memorial
James & Margaret McCurrey

James & Margaret McCurrey

Early & devoted workers in the Chelsea Temperance Society.  Parents of Robert.  We found a McCurrey grave in Brompton (pt1) cemetery which we believe holds Margaret, James and their son Robert....

Group, Social Welfare

1 memorial
William Willett

William Willett

Property developer.  Born Farnham.  Died at home in Chislehurst.  Conceived the idea of Daylight Saving in 1905 and lobbied for it until his death.  It was taken up by Parliament but failed to beco...

Person, Property, Social Welfare

1 memorial