Sartor Road was part of the Newlands Estate between Peckham Rye and Nunhead Cemetery.

The streets were laid out as early as 1870, but development was sporadic and the estate was only completed in the early 20th century.

It was developed by the Tailor's Labour Agency Freehold Land Society, the name Sartor being a reference to their activity, as Sartor is the Latin for tailor.

A likely cause for this irregular pace of development was Newlands' distance from transport, work and shops.

The large house in the background was a London County Council children's home. It is now Bredinghurst School.