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View in Cuper's Gardens, Lambeth (1825) — Bartholomew Howlett —Yale Center for British Art, Paul Mellon Collection

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Who We Are

The London Waterloo Local History Society (WLHS) is a group of over 100 people who meet 3 to 4 times a year for walks, talks, and research discussions. A management group of 5 members oversees the programme and coordinates society activities.

Where We Are

Our area of historical focus is the triangle of land bordering the south side of the River Thames between Lambeth Bridge, Lambeth Road, and Blackfriars Bridge / Blackfriars Road, meeting at St George’s Circus, extending into surrounding areas when tracing connections.

What We Do

We investigate, record, and make accessible the story over time of Waterloo: its people, buildings, places, and events. We liaise with Lambeth Palace Library, the BFI, National Theatre Archives, and the Garden Museum to preserve and illuminate local history.

Stay Updated on Our Upcoming Events

If you would like to hear from us and be notified when new walks, lectures, and visits are announced, register your email below.

Latest Articles & Research

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Monograph27 Aug 2026

The Queen's Walk Trees

Jenny O'Neill decided to investigate the history of The Queen's Walk, an avenue of trees planted in the 1970s to memorialise the Civilian Dead killed in aerial bombardment during WWII. The story of this avenue is itself the story of development on the South Bank, as revealed by Jenny in this abridged version of the study.

Monograph27 Aug 2026

London College of Printing

In 1988 I moved into what was once called Princes Meadows – the part of Waterloo around what is now Hatfields and Stamford Street. There was still the remnant of the print trade existing with Mirror newspaper paper lorries leaving what is now the Gym building on the corner of Cornwall Road.

Review27 Aug 2026

Remembering "Return to Waterloo" - film review

'Return to Waterloo' (1984), Ray Davies of ‘The Kinks’ departure into directing, establishes itself as a musical drama that questions the thoughts of a seemingly average commuter (Ken Colley) on his daily, mundane train journey from Guildford to Waterloo.