3 Sydenham Road

[PStevens]

I'm doing some family research and find that my deceased brother-in-law was born at 3 Sydenham Road in 1937. Does anyone know if there was an unmarried mother's unit or hospital/convent there, or something similar in 1937? His mother was Ethel Elliott, but her address at the time was Upper Norwood. Hope someone will have some knowledge of the buildings in Sydenham Road around that time. Hopeful thanks.

[Steve Grindlay]

3 Sydenham Road was a shop from the time it was built in the early 1890s until at least the 1950s. During the 1930s nos.3, 5 and 7 were run by Emrys Thomas as a drapers' shop. However, there were flats above the shop where the shopkeeper and/or his staff could live. The flats could have been used for other purposes, of course, but I don't think there are any records that might explain what. Perhaps someone with a very long memory can throw some light on it.

[lambchops]

I am continually amazed at Steve's knowledge!

[PStevens]

Thank you so much; that's really interesting. It may fit part of the jig-saw!
Kind regards,
Petrina