-The city over the water-
Stories from south London
Events
Talk Carnegie Library - April 14th 7PM (6.30 for tea & cakes) 2026.
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Chris Roberts talks about the history, development of and folklore surrounding south London parks. Expect anti golf riots, stolen geese and the fox folklore of Ruskin Park as we celebrate places to sit in, places to play in and places to spend the day in alongside contemporary (and older) threats to the concept of free open spaces in London. There may also be references to park toilet goddesses and fairies in Beckenham woods and many other peculiar tales in this celebration of south London’s open spaces. The talk will switch between the real and the magically real and is based on South Parks : Stories from the southern including the new and exciting news about the bitey snakes of Ruskin Park.......and there was me thinking I'd write up some snakelore set in Grangewood. I'm claiming causality for the return of snakes in south London....oh there willl be other threatening creatures too.
Archbishops Park June 12th 7.00 – 8.30 PM Expect Wlliam Blake, religious persecution, spies, gardeners and stations of the dead on this stroll around Archbishops Park. In addition, there will be other tales based around the folklore and history of south London open spaces featured (as well as new unpublished ones) in the short story collection South Parks by Chris Roberts. Meet Outside Garden Museum in St Mary Gardens at 7PM.
Ruskin Park July 3rd: 7.00-8.30 Expect dancing (and biting) snakes, fox folklore, a bit of Mendelssohn and many other stories based on the history and folklore of south London open spaces. These include Peckham Rye’s gay cultural renaissance, 19th century racing scandals and a proper Carry On involving two star crossed lovers on the route of the 68. Meet at “Carnegie” park entrance on Ferndene Road at 7PM.
Clapham Common August 21st 6.30 Lots of literature, lore and even a lost school on this stroll across Clapham Common. This celebration of South London Open Spaces looks at the history of commons and the impact that this area has had on the history and development of South London more broadly. There may be obscure pop cultural references throughout. Meet in the Common Cavendish Road Entrance. Please note this tour starts at 6.30 (sunset is 8.00).
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​Booking for walks which are free or pay what you like is here.
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Podcast and Events
Some Kind words about Bus Travel in South London
"If you love London, this book is unforgettable. But if you know her, it’s like coming home."
"Roberts manages to do for the estates south of the river what Hardy did for Wessex, revealing it to be as good a place for epics and myths as ancient Greece ever was."
"is a fascinating mix of the down-to earth and the magical." SF & FANTASY BOOKS Review Dave Barrett
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