The current Paragon is the
second building of that name to sit on the site.
The original Paragon designed by
Michael Searles (who gave his name to the road) was built for the Rolls Estate at the
east end of the New Kent Road. Searles had been the
estate's surveyor since the 1770s and built this Paragon
from 1787 to 1791. The design was a crescent of pairs of
houses linked by lower colonades.
from the 1792 Horwood Map,
click for
larger version
Searles was also
responsible for Surrey Square Walworth, Gloucester
Circus and 155 Old Kent Road, his own residence as the
Rolls Estate's surveyor.
Paragon Mews used to run around the backs of the
crescent, click
for larger version
The Paragon in 1890
The original Paragon was
demolished in 1898 to make way for a London School Board
School.
The original lines of
the Paragon can be seen from the aerial view.
The current Paragon was
converted from the
Victorian School building by Sapcote Real Lofts. The
Paragon has well maintained
communal gardens set behind secure entry-gates also
providing secure off street parking.
Paragon Gardens, a
Southwark Park, sits opposite the Paragon School-house
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