Fairground attraction has got to be perfect
How many readers will remember the fairground in Deptford High Street, at the corner of Giffin Street?
It closed in 1961, so not too many, you might think. But actually, more than 40 people who grew up in Deptford in the 1940s and 1950s have contributed their memories to Angela Catherine Cain’s new book Deptford Show Ground, writes James Twomey.
John William Cripps said on a Facebook Group: “I grew up in Deptford, SE8 London. Bumper cars…penny a time…gambling machines…air rifle stall…and Frankie Laine records: magic for me at the time in the fifties.”
When the Show Ground was first recorded towards the end of the 19th century, it was a very different place – there were lion tamers, Harry Hughes Assault at Arms Boxing Show, Whiteley’s waxworks exhibition, travelling cinemas, and even a tightrope walker who walked from one end of the ground to the other every night.
By the start of the First World War, the atmosphere had changed – permanent cinemas were gaining in popularity and taking over from travelling ones, circus acts were becoming unpopular as there were increasing worries about cruelty to animals.
By the start of the First World War, the atmosphere had changed – permanent cinemas were gaining in popularity and taking over from travelling ones, circus acts were becoming unpopular as there were increasing worries about cruelty to animals.
New technology and the advent of electricity enabled big rides such as the iconic Gallopers which arrived in 1916. And by the 1930s faster, more thrilling rides such dodgems, arks and skids arrived on the showground.
Angela Catherine Cain, whose grandparents bought the showground in 1912, has written a book about the not-so-forgotten attraction.
She explained that her great grandparents Charles and Hannah Cain had made money from their fairground sideshows and from selling fairground prizes, or swag, to other showmen.
They built a detached house on the site and a warehouse for the swag.
It had been a sad day for the family when the Show Ground was compulsorily purchased by Deptford council in 1961.
Fast forward to 2012 when a BBC programme about Deptford High Street was broadcast that made no mention of the Show Ground.
“I was upset and knew there was an important story to tell, said Angela.
“I had a lot of family memorabilia handed down to me, including an album of memories written by my aunt Daisy for her grandsons.’
Angela Catherine started to find out more about the Show Ground, consulting the published work of fairground historians, talking to family members, contacting local people and visiting the National Circus and Fairground Archive at Sheffield University.
When the Show Ground was closed, it had been used for many years as a car park. Then in 2012, the Tidemill Academy School was built on the site and also Deptford Lounge, a library and community hub.
Angela said: “When I visited recently, I was delighted to see that the old fairground buildings have been incorporated into the school building. In a small way the Show Ground lives on.”
You can read more about the attraction in Angela’s book Deptford Show Ground: The last permanent fairground in London, available online from December.
Top Picture: Gallopers on the Show Ground in 1916 & Charles and Hannah Cain and family in 1909. Pictures: Bell family archive/Angela Cain