Bermondsey is located in South East London, in the Borough of Southwark. This neighbourhood has Walworth to its South West, Peckham to its South, Surrey Quays to its East and London Bridge to its North West. It is well connected with trains from Bermondsey station to London Bridge taking less than 5 minutes. Bermondsey derives its name from the Old English ‘Beornmund’s island’ which talks of its founding on habitable ground amid the marshes. Bermondsey is unique compared to other South East London areas, as it is riddled with Victorian warehouses illustrating its longstanding 19th century architecture.

Bermondsey has evidence of Roman and Saxon occupation, making it one of the oldest parts of Southwark. Bermondsey Abbey reflects how old Bermondsey is, as it dates back to the 8th century. The Abbey became both an economic and cultural force in the area, as they purchased lots of real estate property in and out of London. However by 1537 Henry VIII dissolved and sold the Church and it was turned into aristocratic residential dwellings. Not the first time Bermondsey has had an encounter with royalty, as King Edward III built a house near Bermondsey East Wall in 1353.

Bermondsey saw so much food transport through it, that it earned the nickname London’s larder. This neighbourhood area is home to Championship team Millwall Football Club, colloquially known as the Lions, who play in The Den.

Like much of inner city London, violent crime is a large problem in Bermondsey. The number of people claiming unemployment related benefits is above the national average.

The New Bermondsey development is set to transform the area surrounding Millwall FC’s football stadium: The Den. Taking advantage of an underused 30-acre industrial site, the scheme promises to provide 3,500 homes in three identical 32-storey towers as well as new sports facilities, a hotel, and GP facilities. The nearby Silwood Street development will add to this with 14,133 sq. ft of commercial space as will the four towers which are set to comprise the Bermondsey Reach residential development between 79 and 161 Ilderton Road. When considered in conjunction with the plethora of smaller scale developments planned for the area, it is safe to say South Bermondsey is changing fast.