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This South East London area developed in the late 19th century. Until then, the main local buildings were Brockley Jack pub, Brockley Hall, and Brockley Farm. The Crofton Park Library is one of the notable buildings in Brockley Crofton Park Honor Oak. It is more than one hundred years old. It was opened in 1905 and it was originally known as Brockley Branch Library. Another landmark of this SE4 area is St Hilda’s Church built in 1907. The Celtic cross in front of the Church is a war memorial with 141 names. The Brockley Jack Theater is the place to see a classic play such as Of Mice and Men but also modern theater.
The Rivoli Ballroom is not just a Brockley Crofton Park Honor Oak landmark but also a building of historic importance. It is the only 1950 London ballroom that still stands. It has the original decorations such as Chinese lanterns, red velvet, and glitter balls. The building opened as the Crofton Park Picture Palace in 1913. Henley Attwater designed it. In 1929, it transformed into The Rivola Cinema. Businessman Leonard Tomlin converted the cinema into a dancing room in 1959. This Grade II listed building served as a filming location for Martine McCutcheon’s Any Sign of Life music video, Tina Turner’s Private Dancer, and Elton John’s I Guess That’s Why They Call It The Blues. The ballroom featured in the 2015 Avengers: Age of Ultron.
The silver birch tree in front of the Crofton Park Library honors comedian Spike Milligan. He is among the most famous Brockley Crofton Park Honor Oak residents. Milligan lived on Riseldine Road. Comedian Will Hay is another notable resident. He lived here as a child and attended Beecroft Garden Primary School which was then named Brockley Primary School. Political activist Jim Connell lived in Brockley Crofton Park Honor Oak as well.