Dulwich

The Secret History of Dulwich: London’s Exclusive Village In today’s film, we’re exploring the beautiful, serene village of Dulwich. It’s one of the most pleasant spots in London—Samuel Pickwick himself said so! But behind the elegant Georgian villas and the prestigious schools lies a history built on a very different kind of “God’s Gift.” We’re walking through the heart of the Dulwich Estate, uncovering how an Elizabethan superstar actor, Edward Alleyn, used his “dirty money” from Southwark’s brothels and bear-baiting pits to buy a manor and build a legacy he hoped would secure his place in heaven. In this London walk, we discover: The Last Toll Gate: The final surviving old-style toll gate in London (and yes, it’s now contactless!). The Dulwich Picture Gallery: The world’s first purpose-built public art gallery, designed by Sir John Soane, which inspired the design of the iconic red British phone box. Elite Education: The story of Dulwich College, Alleyn’s, and JAGS—schools that have groomed everyone from Ernest Shackleton and P.G. Wodehouse to Nigel Farage and Chiwetel Ejiofor. The Dulwich Hermit: The tragic tale of Samuel Matthews, who lived in a cave in the woods for 30 years and became a local celebrity. Film Locations: From the gritty streets of Mona Lisa to the grand halls used in Harry Potter and The Crown. Village Quirks: The “Goose” bollards of Goose Green, the “Stink Pipe” of Bazalgette’s sewers, and the pub where students and teachers once drank together in secret. Whether you’re a history buff or just looking for a lovely London stroll, Dulwich is full of surprises. From plague pits to “muck-up day” pranks involving cars on roofs, there is so much more to this “posh” village than meets the eye.