The Rose Public House
The centre of the community
By Carol Smiles
The Rose Hill roundabout as it is today
© Copyright Noel Foster
The Rose was a large public house built in 1933 and situated on the Rose Hill roundabout. It had a colourful reputation and was finally knocked down in 1987. The Co-operative supermarket now stands in its place. It was origionally named 'The Rose and Crown' but later shortened to 'The Rose' to avoid confusion with a public house of the same name in Wallington. It was hoped that the situation of the pub would mean it not only would serve locals living on the new council housing estate but would attract people travelling to and from London.
I think it is fair to say that the area had begun to look neglected in recent years. Public houses are certainly centres of the community and when they close it can be difficult to define an area and create places where people can congregate and socialise.
Plans to brighten the place up
Recently local shopkeepers at Rosehill and local councillors have formed a new traders association in an attempt to revive the shopping community.
Measures to improve the look of the shopping centre have already started with new trees, paving and refurbishment of the roadside barriers. New seating areas and signs are also planned. A new car park and incentives to revive the sadly missed street market are also ideas being muted by the new body.
1974 - 4th January
Picture Copyright © The John Parkin Collection
Unfortunately, the pub is just out of shot in this photogragh. However, it is possible to imagine that situated as it was right on the roundabout it as highly visible to people travelling to and from London and as a popular stopping off point for day trippers and commuters alike.
A place to rest and grab a bite to eat
Raleigh's Cafeteria aka The Rose Public House before the developement of Rose Hill
Donated By Mark Donohue and Chris Laws
Raleigh Cafeteria, Rose Hill built 1933
Donated by Mark Donohue and Chris Laws