There has been an inn on this site since 1720, and possibly as early as 1713. Joseph Hyde was the first recorded landlord, mentioned in 1726, and the inn is first referred to as the Greyhound in 1727, and again in 1729 when parish registers record the burial of Joseph Hyde in St Mary’s Church, Lewisham. The oldest part of the building, at the rear of the inn, is 18C.

The inn was built on the eastern edge of Sydenham Common. The Common, now covered by Upper Sydenham and much of Forest Hill, was used by local people for, amongst other things, grazing animals, gathering wood, recreation, hunting, and holding fairs. The earliest inn faced the common (looking across Spring Hill), and had unbroken views to the summit of Sydenham Hill. Two tracks crossed the common, one leading to Dulwich (Westwood Hill) and the other towards London (Kirkdale).

In about 1640 mineral springs, with alleged healing properties, were discovered on Sydenham Common, in the present Wells Park Road and Taylor's Lane area. As demand for the water increased a number of wells was sunk to ensure adequate supplies. Their popularity increased and complaints were made about the “rabble of Londoners” who came to visit the wells. Visitors were accused of mixing the water with “brandy or other strong liquors” (supplied by local inns), and then blaming the hangovers on the water! Some of the wealthier visitors to the Sydenham Wells would have required lodgings and this could have been one reason for building the inn. The popularity of the Wells peaked with a visit from George III but declined thereafter and the wells were gradually filled in. During the 19C the last remaining well was described as “a dirty pool and the water very nasty”.

The Greyhound Inn, like inns at Dulwich and Croydon with the same name, was used as a meeting place for local hunts. The greyhound was bred for hunting, using speed and keenness of sight. During the 18C and until 1812 or later, the Old Surrey Hounds (Jorrock’s pack) would meet at the Greyhound. The Old Surrey hunted an area that covered Brockley, Sydenham, Dulwich, Peckham and Croydon. Sydenham and Forest Hill were particularly noted during the 18C for having a large fox population.

Trade at the Greyhound Inn was boosted with the building of the Croydon Canal, which operated between 1807 and 1836. The canal connected Croydon with the Thames and followed roughly the line of the present railway track from New Cross Gate to Sydenham and beyond. The inn was a convenient meeting place for the directors of the company and provided refreshment for the ‘navvies’ who built the canal. It was also a resting place for those who used the canal for work or recreation. An early painting shows pleasure boats moored against a landing stage beside the inn. Certainly in 1807 the inn had a boat and boat-house, as the landlord was accused of not allowing the boat to be used to rescue a man who had fallen into the canal reservoir and drowned. The man had been trying to retrieve a duck he had shot.

The poet Thomas Campbell lived on Peak Hill between 1804 and 1820. He regularly used the Greyhound and would certainly have entertained some of his distinguished visitors (who included Sir Walter Scott, Lord Byron, George Crabbe and Sarah Siddons) at the inn. There is an account by Sir Charles Bell (a Scottish surgeon) of an evening spent with Campbell at the Greyhound when the poet returned home “not drunk, but in excellent spirits”. Other accounts make it clear that there were occasions when he had to be helped home to bed. The greatest change to the area resulted from the passing of the Enclosure Act of 1810. This proposed the enclosure of all common land in Lewisham except for Blackheath. From about 1820 what had been open common land from the Greyhound to the top of Sydenham Hill was gradually built over.

The Croydon Canal failed and the London & Croydon Railway Company bought its assets. They built a railway, roughly along the line of the canal, which opened in 1839. A station, almost adjacent to the inn, gave yet another boost to the Greyhound.

By 1870 Sydenham had become a thriving and populous suburb and there was obviously a need for a more modern and prestigious inn. A major refurbishment took place and an extension added to what became the front of the building, facing Kirkdale. Much of the interesting detail of the inn dates from this time.

The character of the Greyhound Inn has undergone a number of changes over more than 270 years. It has, at different times, provided strong refreshment for visitors to Sydenham Wells, been a meeting place for local huntsmen, refreshed those boating on the Croydon Canal, played host to Georgian literati and quenched the thirst of clerks returning from their offices in the City.

© Steve Grindlay
Historian to the Sydenham Society
First published as a part of Steve's Jottings

In latter years The Greyhound has lost its 'Greyhounds' at the door and spent a few sad years as 'The Fewterer and Firkin' themed pub. It has now reverted to its original name though Arena's colour scheme is somewhat challenging. It still performs a civic duty on Sky Football Nights when a good crowd gather and cheer - and a fiver for a couple of drinks makes it somewhat better value to some than paying to get into Highbury or Stamford Bridge.

There is an unconfirmed rumour presently circulating that the car park has been sold for redevelopment. The car park is one possible way disabled access could be provided to the London bound platform of Sydenham Station. We await news with particular interest.

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