The guide concentrates on two very different housing developments, Roupell Park and the Leigham Court estate.
The land now dominated by Christchurch and Palace Roads was developed by the Roupell family from 1840. The Roupells, originally metal smelters, built prestigious homes there, and went from rags to riches and back to rags in three generations. Their scandalous story, particularly that of William Roupell, kept Victorians shocked and entertained for years.
In 1889, Leigham Court was purchased by the Artisans, Labourers and General Dwellings Co. to build a model estate for the working classes. While few of the Roupell houses survive, the Leigham Court estate is almost complete and provides a fascinating mix of eclectic homes and buildings. It is also known as the ABCD estate due to the alphabetical naming of the roads.
Author - Judy Harris
£3 including p&p
