This 'Shelter for 700' sign is on the road bridge on Ladywell Road, opposite Ladywell station. It's mentioned in a few places online where it is described as a World War 2 bomb shelter sign. But is it? These were usually painted on a white background with a big 'S' for Shelter (see New Cross example here).
I wondered whether it might be more recent, e.g. a homeless shelter from Crisis at Christmas or similar. Does anybody know for sure? And where was the shelter? Presumably somewhere towards Lewisham High Street.
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5 comments:
no but I am going to do some investigating
The graffitti is well known locally & according to the information gleaned when preparing walking guide to Ladywell ( due soon!) was recorded as Air Raid shelter under one of the railway arches in WW2.. for a more detailed overview of bombing of the borough in both wars ( remember Zeppelin raids in the 'first blitz') you might consult the Zetica guide( UXB study in 2008) ..which provides location of major bombing incidents in L/ham area..inc 2 UXB in Ladywell Cemetery!!
Mike Guilfoyle
Friends of Brockley & Ladywell Cemetery-Foblc)
http://acolnet.lewisham.gov.uk/ACOLLATEDOCS/41791_25.pdf
I am certain this is a 1939-45 War sign, I remember others of similar style around London growing up in the 70s - i think this was one of them. Most of them have now disappeared.
Maybe different councils adopted different styles?
I expect somewhere within Lewisham Council's archives are details of all public air raid shelters.
As a guess, maybe a shelter dug in Ladywell Fields?
It was definitely an air raid shelter during WW2. I lived in Eastern Road, about 3 minutes walk from Ladywell village, from December 1951 til 1979. I clearly remember the Shelter sign on Ladywell bridge. I also remember the trees in Adelaide Avenue still having white rings painted on them to aid night drivers during the blackout.
Lived in Malyons Terrace Ladywell from 1956 to 1966. Walked over the bridge every day to catch 54 to school. The sign was there then.
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