Albert Square is an outstanding example of one of London's famous 'garden squares'. Built on what was originally market garden land in the mid-19th century, it was completed between 1848-1851. The houses that back on to the Square from Clapham Road were completed at about the same time.

The surrounding streets - Aldebert Terrace, Wilkinson Street and St Stephen's Terrace - are fine examples of Victorian terrace housing, built between 1865 and 1875.

Our area contains two pubs dating from Victorian times, the Canton on Clapham Road and the Royal Albert on St Stephen's Terrace. The original 19th century St Stephen's Church was demolished in 1951; the current church and adjacent blocks of flats stand on the original site.

ASSA Today
ASSA works to preserve the best of the past, enhance the quality of life for today's residents, and ensure that future generations can benefit from the best possible environment.

An annual general meeting of residents elects a committee which carries through work during the year on issues such as:

- Planning: we keep a 'watching brief' on applications to Lambeth Council to ensure that proposed developments in the area don't destroy its character or adversely affect the quality of life.

- Traffic: we aim to reduce the nuisance of through traffic in our area, while protecting the interests of all road users who live here - pedestrians, cyclists and motorists.

- Crime: ASSA is also the Neighbourhood Watch for the area and works closely with local police and crime safety officers to reduce the risk of crime and increase safety for residents.

- Cleaner streets: we all want to see a rubbish-free environment, but this can be difficult. ASSA is in touch with Lambeth Council's street scene department to make sure that our streets are kept clean. We also hold regular 'clean ups' when we get out our brooms and rubbish bags for a 'sweep-in' of the area.

The Tradescant sculpture
One of the most visible signs of ASSA's work is the Tradescant sculpture outside St Stephen's Church, on the corner of Wilkinson Street and St Stephen's Terrace. The sculpture is the first [example of a sculpture commissioned by a local residents' association. It was paid for through pledges collected locally, and a grant from Greater London Arts.

The sculpture - which was unveiled in 1988 by naturalist David Bellamy - is a memorial to the Tradescant family. John Tradescant, father and son, were 17th century pioneer collectors of plants from around the world, and the inspiration of gardeners through time. They lived and gardened on land where our streets now stand. Click here for a link to museum of garden history