Historical Bermondsey
Start near the bottom of Bermondsey St at the Church of St Mary Magdalen. This Grade II listed parish church is the oldest building in Bermondsey. It was founded in the 13th century and remodelled again in the 17th century. The church was originally at the gates of Bermondsey Abbey and survived the blitz of World War II despite being in a heavily bombed area.
Head down Abbey Street to the site of the former Bermondsey Abbey, although now a construction site, excavation is also taking place and there is a plaque on Abbey St. Around the corner at 7 Grange Walk, two hooks from the old Abbey gates can be seen. On Grange Walk you will also find some find examples of grand old houses.
A little further along Abbey St you will come to Neckinger Mills, which was originally a paper mill, then became one of the biggest leather mills owned by Bevingtons & Sons from the 1800's to 1980. After this you will arrive at the Old Drill Hall headquarters of the 22nd London Regiment which was originally the 3rd Volunteer Battalion of the Queens Royal West Surrey Regiment and Bermondsey's main territorial regiment.
Finish the tour by walking up to the river and Cherry Gardens Pier, where Londoner's used to come to relax, and Samuel Pepys recorded visiting with his wife to pick cherries. Near here you will find the historic Angel Pub which dates back to the 15th century and the monks from Bermondsey Abbey used to sell beer here. This is an enjoyable place to end your walk.
