Last Updated on April 2, 2026 by Tavernier’s Travels
I love 1940s aesthetics, particularly during the years of the Second World War. Since a school trip to the Imperial War Museum as a child, I have loved watching TV shows and films set in that era, as well as hearing stories about what life was like then. Step inside my wardrobe, and you’ll find plenty of vintage clothes feeding my 1940’s obsession, not to mention the posters and other home decor inside my home. So you can imagine my delight on happening upon a small pocket of Waterloo – including Roupell Street – that had me feeling like I’d done a time warp and had been transported straight to the 1940s.
A few years ago, I moved to Blackfriars in London, very close to Waterloo. Part of getting to know the area around me included strolling through nearby streets, which is when I happened upon Roupell Street and its counterparts Thead Street, Windmill Walk, Whittlesey Street and Cornwall Road.
History of Roupell Street
The beauty of these streets is the fact they have been pristinely preserved throughout the years. Even the street lamps look as though they are the original lamps from the 19th century, although I’m aware that these are in fact replicas.
John Roupell, a metal trader turned property mogul, purchased several acres of the area after coming into some money via his wife’s inheritance. He named Roupell Street after himself, and surrounding streets were named after family members.
All of these streets are part of Roupell Street Conservation Area. These streets have been a community since 1824 when it housed working class men and women contributing to making modern London. They are very well preserved grade II listed Georgian terraces which sit amongst the big tower blocks of modern London. The area is well protected by the Lambeth Estate Resident’s Association who not only look after these gorgeous streets but also its residents, bringing together a lovely vibrant community.
On the corner of Roupell Street and Cornwall Road, there’s a bakery, Konditor. During the time of the late Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee, there were Union Jack buntings down the street and across the window of the little cake shop. Local pubs, such as the King’s Arms, sit at the end of these streets, well-preserved to serve the 21st century. There are also usually a few stylish vintage cars parked on the street too; when I first saw it, I thought I’d wandered onto a film set.
Roupell Street as a Filming Location
I remember telling my daughter that it would be quite funny if I’d worn my 1940s clothes and walked up and down these streets – people might have thought I was a ghost!
As the street is so well preserved, it seems location scouts have recognised the enduring timelessness of Roupell Street and its counterparts. Many TV series and movies have been filmed here; these include Blitz starring Saoirse Ronan and Mrs Harris Goes to Paris, as well as TV shows such as Call the Midwife and Doctor Who to name a few.
How to Get to Roupell Street
The historical gem that is Roupell Street is just around the corner from Waterloo Station. There are a number of buses that stop nearby too; the nearest bus stop is Waterloo Station/Tenison Way. A short walk down Cornwall Road will lead you there.
The historic conservation area is just down the road from London’s Imperial War Museum. The museum was once one of my favourites which I used to regularly visit; however, in recent times, I’ve grown less impressed. They don’t focus as much on World War Two as much as they used to; for instance, their Anderson Shelters are no longer on display. Now, they focus on more recent wars, such as the Falklands, Afghanistan, Iraq and Ukraine; while it’s obviously a good thing to shake things up a bit, it was their once permanent homefront exhibition which interested me most, especially the Blitz experience which was an immersive experience they offered. Regardless, for those who enjoy the museum, visiting Roupell Street would no doubt be the cherry on top.
A note: please bear in mind that these are real streets with people living in these houses. Please be respectful of those going about their daily business by keeping noise down and not hanging around outside their homes.
