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England (Counties as in 1851-1901) => England => London and Middlesex => Topic started by: Josh P on Saturday 19 September 20 16:46 BST (UK)

Title: SOUTH NORWOOD street name change
Post by: Josh P on Saturday 19 September 20 16:46 BST (UK)
A forebear was reported in The Era newspaper as being born at "2, Porter's Road, South Norwood" in 1886.  [see attached]

I have found an application to Croydon Council to change the name of "Porter Road" to Elm Tree Road in 1888, but cannot find any further reference to this street name in the area.

Can anyone advise me how to find what the "Porter's Road" of 1886 is called today?

Many thanks.
Title: Re: SOUTH NORWOOD street name change
Post by: cath151 on Saturday 19 September 20 17:43 BST (UK)
I m sure someone will probably have a better answer but here goes  :)
In a 1888 newspaper there is a High Class Dressmakers, The Mesdames Veal at Richmond Villa, 7, Porter Street, South Norwood.
Directions usefully given " The 5th turning on the right from the Railway arch in Portland Road, Norwood Junction. 3 minute walk from the station".
I can t find Mesdames Veal after that but there is a Richmond Villa in Werndee Road advertised in 1889 and also a Richmond Villa in Harrington Road, both in South Norwood.
Did find a mention of Elm Tree Villa, Harrington Road, South Norwood in 1882.
So somewhere round there I would think.

Cathy
Title: Re: SOUTH NORWOOD street name change
Post by: Josh P on Saturday 19 September 20 18:08 BST (UK)
Thanks so much for this Cathy.  I don't know the area at all, but this certainly narrows it down.  I'll now see whether any of the names you've so kindly given can lead me to the answer.
All best to you in your own research.
Title: Re: SOUTH NORWOOD street name change
Post by: hanes teulu on Saturday 19 September 20 18:23 BST (UK)
cath151 is on the track I've been chasing - "5th turning on the right" etc.
https://maps.nls.uk/view/101202846
If you assume the the Arch is where the rail line crosses Portland Road, the 5th turning going south along Portland Road is Werndee Road.
Another newspaper item refers to Porter Road as on the "Werndee Estate".

But yet to find it named on an old map
Title: Re: SOUTH NORWOOD street name change
Post by: Josh P on Saturday 19 September 20 19:02 BST (UK)
Thanks so much for looking at this, Hanes. 
The map is hugely helpful and Wemdee certainly does seem likely.
All best to you.
Title: Re: SOUTH NORWOOD street name change
Post by: Chris Doran on Monday 21 September 20 13:14 BST (UK)
I suggest contacting Croydon local Studies Library] (https://www.croydon.gov.uk/leisure/archives/lslibrary) which has a large collection of street directories and electoral rolls covering South Norwood.

I only have a couple of directories myself, as it's just outside my area. No mention of Porter's Rd (or variants) or Werndee Rd in 1882, so I suspect it wasn't built then. Several people in Werndee in 1890, including a Thomas Veal at 17, but no Mesdames.
Title: Re: SOUTH NORWOOD street name change
Post by: Josh P on Monday 21 September 20 14:37 BST (UK)
Thank you, Chris.
I'll give the library a shout.
All best.
Title: Re: SOUTH NORWOOD street name change
Post by: hanes teulu on Monday 21 September 20 17:42 BST (UK)

Another newspaper item refers to Porter Road as on the "Werndee Estate".

Should have spelled out more fully - in a letter dated 7 Nov 1887 to the editor, Norwood News -
 
"I now write to you about another matter, in regard to which I am equally 'in the dark'** It may be that the Porters Road is unknown to you. In any case let me state that it has had its existence on the "Werndee Estate". Strictly speaking, I should say the Portland Road but it is hardly likely, with a "Werndee Estate in the way" one would care to admit they lived within a stone's throw of the Portland Road".

** - the writer was complaining about lack of a lamp post in Porters Road
Title: Re: SOUTH NORWOOD street name change
Post by: Josh P on Monday 21 September 20 17:50 BST (UK)
Thanks for this, Hanes.