St Thomas More Hall was built on the site of a house known as Five Elm Cottage. Franciscan fathers purchased the site and converted it into a monastery. The stables and coach house were fitted up for use as a chapel. Trees in the monastery grounds were felled so pews could be made from them. Mass was first said on Whit Sunday, 1 June 1879. The solemn opening was on 8 September 1880 when the Bishop of Southwark, Dr James Danell, sand Pontifical High Mass. The church was known as St Anthony's (see picture). The congregation moved to St Thomas More Church in 1929. The building also housed a school - St Anthony's Catholic Primary School.

We are grateful for permission to reproduce the text here to John D Beasley, from his book East Dulwich, available for £7.95 from South Riding Press, 6 Everthorpe Road, London SE15 4DA.