The Rumours of Hitler wanting to use Du Cane Court as his HQ started earlier than you might think

The BBC article “Bevin’s Babes” is a personal account or memoir of a group of women who were born during World War II and grew up in post-war London written by Heather Noble. It forms part of an archived of World War Two Memories compiled by the BBC and written by the public.

They refer to themselves as “The Bevin’s Babes” or “War Babies” and share a strong bond of friendship that has lasted throughout their lives. The article discusses their experiences and memories, including the scarcity of food, clothing, and housing during the war, the impact of Commonwealth immigration in the 1940s and 1950s, the fear of polio epidemics, and the pressure of the Selection Test (Eleven-Plus) that determined their educational futures. The article also touches on highlights of their childhood, such as the Festival of Britain, early television broadcasts, picnics, parties, excursions, and family holidays. The women’s individual stories include experiences of evacuation, bombings, the Balham Underground Bomb, and personal journeys during the war. The article ends with a reflection on the changing role of women over the decades and their hope for a future of equal opportunities and goodwill. The upcoming sections mentioned in the summary include “When Daddy Came Home” and “Starting School,” which likely delve deeper into the women’s experiences during those times.

One contributor Gillie recounts “Nearby our home in the busy High Street, was a large complex of flats, called “Du Cane Court” — and well known locally for its Art Deco façade. Despite obvious signs of heavy bombing in the area, it had surprisingly escaped any such visits from the “Luffwaffe”! Interestingly, there was much talk from the local residents that their homes had been spared, due to the fact that the complex had been earmarked for a residence for German Military Officers — had the invasion succeeded. Thankfully for us, it had not!”

You can read the full account on the BBC Archive.

‘WW2 People’s War is an online archive of wartime memories contributed by members of the public and gathered by the BBC. The archive can be found at bbc.co.uk/ww2peopleswar’

Historical news events from 1935 when Du Cane Court was Built

Thinking back to when Du Cane Court was being built in 1935 it’s hard to imagine what it was like to promote living in Balham at the time and what else was happening in the world. Historical news events from 1935 included significant developments in politics, science, technology, and entertainment.

Some of the notable events from that year include:

  1. The signing of the Neutrality Act in the United States, which aimed to keep the country out of foreign conflicts.
  2. The dust storms and severe drought known as the “Dust Bowl” in the Great Plains of the United States.
  3. The Italian invasion of Ethiopia, leading to the Second Italo-Ethiopian War and Ethiopia’s subsequent occupation by Italy.
  4. The founding of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) in Ohio, USA.
  5. The introduction of the first parking meters in Oklahoma City, USA.
  6. Amelia Earhart’s solo flight from Hawaii to California, becoming the first person to fly solo across the Pacific Ocean.
  7. The publication of George Orwell’s novel “Burmese Days.”
  8. The first successful demonstration of a monoplane fitted with a retractable undercarriage by R.J. Mitchell in the UK.
  9. The release of the film “Mutiny on the Bounty,” based on the historical mutiny on the HMS Bounty.
  10. The discovery of the comet named after astronomer Carl Wirtanen.

Beautiful photo in reception of Du Cane Court

We adore The Modern House and their beautiful photos

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Can someone explain the price difference?

How can one studio apartment of 12 sqm or 130 sqft Flat A04, Du Cane Court, Balham High Road, London, Greater London SW17 7JA sell in January for £475,000 that’s approx £3,653 / square foot

When another just a month later of 25 sqm or 271 sqft Flat F07, Du Cane Court, Balham High Road, London, Greater London SW17 7JN sell in February for £225,000 which is approx £830 / square foot.

That’s a huge difference in value. Almost 4 times the price per sqft.

See on Rightmove and Land Registry.

Flat A04
Flat F07

🏢 Unlocking the Mystery: How to Spell “Du Cane Court” 🏢

How do you spell Du Cane Court?

Have you ever come across the iconic residential building in Balham, London, known as Du Cane Court? If you’ve found yourself wondering about the correct spelling of its name, you’re not alone! Let’s put an end to the mystery and clarify the proper way to spell this architectural gem.

The correct spelling is indeed “Du Cane Court.” It may appear deceptively simple, but the unique combination of the words “Du” and “Cane” gives this building its distinctive name. The two words are separate, with a space between them, and each word begins with a capital letter.

It’s worth noting that the name “Du Cane Court” has historical significance and is closely tied to the building’s heritage. The origin of the name can be traced back to the Du Cane family, who owned the land upon which the building was constructed. The family’s surname, “Du Cane,” has been immortalized in the name of this grand Art Deco landmark.

So, the next time you find yourself referring to this remarkable architectural marvel, remember to spell it as “Du Cane Court.” Whether you’re sharing stories, researching its history, or simply admiring its beauty, using the correct spelling ensures that you give proper recognition to this iconic building and its rich legacy.

Now that the spelling mystery is solved, let’s continue to appreciate and celebrate the unique charm and significance of Du Cane Court in all its splendor! 🏢✨

Clearly it’s actually Du Cane Court as can be seen in the signage of the block. However it seems that it’s a difficult one for a lot of people with many variations such as Ducane Court and Ducann Court leading people to this site on many occasions. Of course Ducain also gets an honourable mention as in the last few months this has been rising up the misspelled list.

Anyway for the avoidance of doubt it’s Du Cane Court.