Alpha Road, Millwall

The well built houses along Alpha Road were constructed in two stages, in 1870s and 1880s.  It was one of those rare streets in the East End, at the time, that was lined by trees.  Also, Alpha Road, part of the Mellish estate, was the longest stretch of road built by a single developer in the East End,.  St Luke s Church, also part of the estate, was built on Alpha Road and consecrated in 1870.  The Church had seating for 700 worshipers.  In 1887, Alpha Hall Chapel was constructed.

 As would be expected, the occupations of the inhabitants of Alpha Road, given in the 1901 Census, reflected the work found in the local area.  For men: Colour Grinder, Confectioner Baker, Silver Refiner, Dock Labourer, Corn Porter, Dock Clerk, Shipping Clerk, Lighterman, General Carman, General Labourer, Dock Constable, Blacksmith, Carpenter, Iron Worker, Boilermaker, Trinity Pilot  -  and for women: Shirt Manufacturer, Domestic Servant, Domestic Help, Dressmaker, Barmaid, Shop Assistant.  

Alpha Road was renamed Alpha Grove in 1939.  During the Blitz, St Luke s Church was badly damaged.  The Church was pulled down in the 1960s and a Chapel built on the site.  The southern half of Alpha Grove was also extensively damaged in the Blitz and was rebuilt as Council Housing after the war.  Very little remains of the original houses, however Alpha Hall Chapel remains.