James Gray: View down Crescent Road, from No 43 in July 1933. In lower Prince’s Crescent can be seen another entrance to Wakefield Villa, known as Woodfield Lodge at this time. jgc_20_074
2019: Although the houses in Crescent Road remain very recognisable, Prince’s Crescent at the bottom of the road has seen many changes. The flint wall and gate seen in the original image leading to Woodfield Lodge have now gone, following the demolition and redevelopment of the Sylvan Hall Estate. Seventeen purpose-built blocks of flats were created, including The Limes (left) and The Willows (right) seen here. In between can be glimpsed a small portion of Larch Bank. Both The Limes and Larch Bank are accessed from Bromley Road, to the south of Prince’s Crescent. The large grey building seen in the very far distance, behind the high-rise flats of Grove Hill, is the new American Express building situated at No 1 John Street. The building work was completed in late 2012 followed by a phased relocation for employees from Amex House (now demolished) in Edward Street. (Photographer: Jane Jordan)