Stephen Humphrey produces definitive history of Elephant & Castle

The author spoke about his long task during a reception hosted by London South Bank University to mark the achievement. The event was in the Technopark building which stands on the site of South London Palace music hall.

"I have not hurried writing this book," said Stephen. "Elephants are lumbering creatures as we know and my thoughts have lumbered along since the late 1980s."

He said that thanks were due to people who had forgotten that they had helped but the evidence was "fully sifted". He described the Elephant & Castle as "full of fun".

The book includes an examination of the depictions of elephants and castles in art starting with a Syrian example from the third century BC.

Humphrey's book concentrates on the Elephant's heyday as a "joyous and occasionally wild place" from the mid 19th century to the Second World War.

During his talk it was revealed that the author had been born at the Elephant & Castle and his grandmother, who knew all the music hall songs, lived close to New Kent Road.

Guests included former Southwark local studies librarian Len Riley, Southwark Mysteries author John Constable, Bermondsey historian Jennie Howells, Peckham historian John Beasley and SELON Index compiler Peter Shilham.

• Elephant & Castle: A History by Stephen Humphrey is published by Amberley (£14.99).

• The church of St Matthew-at-the-Elephant, featured in the book, is marking the 20th anniversary of its present building with a service at 11am on Sunday 8 December when the preacher will be the Dean of Wakefield Cathedral. The Deputy Mayor of Southwark will also be in attendance.