Ivydale Road was built in the late 1880s by one of South London's most speculative builders, Edward Yates.

It formed the backbone of one of his largest enterprises, the Waverly Estate, a development that spread over 50 acres and 800 homes.

It was built partly on land he owned and land leased from Christ's College.

Uniformity characterised the houses, and the well clothed and shod children indicate the relatively prosperous status of the new residents.