Did you know that...
Camberwell is a creative hub boasting of a wide-ranging mix of back-street boozers, popular food spots, and inspired locals. It played host to numerous festivals for many years. In 2014, Camberwell Arts Festival has celebrated its 20th year here.
Jerome Napoleon Bonaparte, Emperor Napoleon I’s nephew, was born in 1805 in Camberwell. R. White’s Lemonade was established in Camberwell SE5 in 1845. This is also where the first Dualit toasters were manufactured.
Actor Michael Caine attended Wilson’s School in Camberwell. He mentions in his autobiography that he didn’t like the time spent there but he credits his English teacher, Eric Watson, for guiding him towards literature. The founder of cultural anthropology, Edward Burnett Tylor, was born here in 1832. Another famous resident is Henry Bessemer who is known for developing a steel making process.
Camberwell Beauty is a large butterfly that is a very rare presence in the UK. The first specimen was seen here in 1748.
Camberwell SE5 name comes from the Old English word Cambrewelle. The two most popular theories regarding the name origin state that Camberwell means “well of the Britons” or “cripple well”.