London Districts: Catford (Documentary)

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The district of Catford falls under the London Borough of Lewisham in south east London and is the administrative centre for the borough.

The makeup of the name 'Catford' was first recorded in 1254 after the ford across the River Ravensbourne which was a frequent place for wild cats and a crossing point for cattle.

Most of Catford is taken up by the Rushey Green and Catford South wards within the district. Rushey Green itself has its own distinctive history and significance dating back to the 16th century.

Catford's most prominent landmark is the Catford Cat; a fiberglass painted sculpture above the Catford Centre entrance. Some people believe that all-black cats were thrown into the river to their fate by association with witchcraft during the witch hunts.

In the early 1960s, huge redevelopment took place. At the time, a raw concrete style of architecture from France known as 'brutalist' had flourished in London and it is still very evident around Catford today via the shopping centre, the soon to be demolished Milford Towers and the Grade II listed Eros Tower. The same style forged the Barbican Centre and Hayward gallery.

Catford hosts a street market on Catford Broadway and has a variety of non-chain restaurants, cafes, and pubs. The oldest pub being the 'Black Horse and Harrow' built in 1700 where Karl Marx is reputed to have been an occasional patron. Catford claims to be home to the first British curry house. Other than the shows at the Broadway Theatre, the main cultural event is Lewisham Peoples day that has attracted 25,000 to Mountsfield Park each year for the last 33 years.

In 2021, the South Circular will be moved to the south of Laurence House. The gyratory (the circular flow of traffic) will also be removed to reinstate two-way traffic, create wider pavements, cycle lanes, new crossings and pedestrianized public spaces.

[badjemima]

Absolutely brilliant! I grew up in Catford, and it's lovely to recognise all the old familiar views, even if some of them have changed a bit since I lived there. I remember the Catford Centre being built, and the Catford Cat being installed!

[SELondonUSA]

Thanks for the series, Dewyne. Excellent work. I lived in Catford, Bellingham, Catford, Blackheath and Lee between 1954 and 1975 and know most of S.E. London very well. Been out of the country since 1979 but always pay a visit to the old areas whenever I'm "home" and always show my kids where their mother and father grew up. We take them to the old pubs we used, which they love. Alas, not many of them have survived.
Great, great soundtrack.

[alanjacks]

I was in MR Smiths Club back in the '60s when there was trouble with the Kray and Richardson gangs. One guy was shot outside.
You make the best videos of London districts Dewyne. You do a lot of research and I thank you for it!

[janetconnaughton]

Interesting film but wish it were longer!

[AdamBurt]

Did visited the place. Loved the Catford Cat, this video/channel made me discovered the place as it has the cat.

[samanthaclements]

Great enjoyed watching as i grew up here in the 70s and 80s

[elenast.marthe]

Home sweet home.Where I grew up, my family still live there.This is the place I of my now former work place.

[stevefelkin]

Really enjoyed that. Grew up in Catford and didn't know much of what was covered on here... Cheers!

[katephillips]

Oh God.. catford ain't changed. ... catford was always a lesser place for us as kid's just a quick stop on our way wiv me mum to Lewisham.... as a kid.., always loved the cat 😂😂'

[leilabennett]

I lived in Catford in the 70's its lovely to see the old landmarks. I remember when they put up the cat.

[wimbledan]

First time I went to Macdonald's was in catford. Back in the 70s.

[Rocket_scientist_]

I was reading about the band Japan (1980s band) and read that they were from Catford. I’ve never been to the UK but will visit someday, maybe even stop in Catford to see the Catford Cat! >^^<

[kimwieslaw]

Nice to reminisce I lived up brownhill rd long walk to catford train station 🚉 I live in Australia 🇦🇺 now but miss South East London..

[sheltonobi]

Is the first bit in minard road cause ive seen that cat

[lazybelphegore]

Thanks for this! Miss Brahms from “Are You Being Served” is supposed to be from Catford. I had never heard of it but I assumed it was an area like The East End or Cockney areas. It actually looks quite nice in some of these pics.

[keithyoung]

Thank you Dewyne, an excellent presentation with very interesting information, you obviously took time to do your research, most enjoyable. I grew up in Catford from 1952 to 1975, I now live in Canada. I returned for a visit 5 years ago and was astonished, the demographics had changed so completely and so rapidly. I am at a loss to understand how population replacement can take place so rapidly.

[allylou]

Thanks for memory lane. Memories living around this area sad how time passes by so quickly. Tho I don't live in South London no more still have much love for it. 💖💕 Tho didn't mention Fritz as he is famous from Catford.

[leethurgood]

A video about Catford and no mention of Fritz?!

[EliteXtasy]

1:22 - That made my heart skip a beat, lol. Poor kitties though. Suggestion: Can you show us the places you mentioned in the commentary?

[AdamBurt]

Wanted to visited that place and to see cat staute