Du Cane Court

Du Cane Court is an Art Deco apartment block on Balham High Road, Balham, south London. A distinctive local landmark, it was opened in 1937 and, with 677 apartments, is the largest privately owned block of flats under one roof in Europe.

Du Cane Court

It was a popular place to live for many music hall stars in the 1930s and 1940s and boasted a social club, on the top floor, before the area was converted into flats. Past residents have included the comedian Tommy Trinder.[1] Currently comedian and writer Arthur Smith, the self-styled 'Bard of Balham', is a resident.[2]

The building has 676 apartments

During the Second World War it was speculated that Du Cane Court had escaped bombing because it was planned for use by military officers in the event of a successful German invasion.[3][4] This and related legends were explored by writer Steve Punt in a 2009 BBC Radio 4 programme called Punt PI.[5]

Similar Art Deco residential buildings in London include Florin Court, Cholmeley Lodge and Hillfield Court

References
  1. Vincent, Gregory K. (2008). A history of Du Cane Court : land, architecture, people and politics. Woodbine. ISBN 978-0-9541675-1-6.
  2. Robinson, Karen. "Arthur Smith: Don't pay me in cash, I'll just put it in the bin". The Times. Retrieved 13 September 2020.
  3. Taw, Susannah. "Streets of London: Chestnut Grove, SW12". Time Out.
  4. Noble, Heather. "The Story of Bevin's Babes". BBC.
  5. Punt Pi at Radiolistings


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