C is for Charlie Chaplin - Walworth A to Z

C is for Charlie Chaplin

“I was born on 16th April 1889, at eight o’clock at night, in East Lane, Walworth.” Thus begins Charlie Chaplin’s autobiography. Where exactly has always been a matter of speculation, but it was very likely above his grandfather’s shop. In the time spanning the two world wars, Chaplin’s tramp was the most recognised character on the planet. 

Chaplin was lauded ‘the funniest man in the world,’ and Michael Jackson, who recorded a version of ‘Smile’, once visited Freemantle Street just behind East Street, and was photographed dressed in the tramp costume.