Lambeth Local History - The Magdalen Mystery

This summer, we begin a history series investigating a bricked-off area of the Magdalen estate. Magdalen was built on the grounds of the old Magdalen Hospital. All that remains of the original Georgian buildings today is the Lodge, and a mysterious bricked-up structure - 1.5m square and 4m high.  

Over the years, residents have wondered about what is inside. Local historians agree the walls were probably built to protect something of value during wartime or estate construction. Some say it is a statue of the Virgin Mary. Others think it could be a standing stone, a well, a tunnel, even an asteroid. For 100 years or more, the answer has been anyone’s guess.  

Finally, an investigation has started, to reveal the truth behind the Magdalen mystery. Watmos building surveyor, Nishil, put a small camera through a hole at the base of one of the walls. The video showed a stone plinth, with the inscription: “A gift to the charity 1800”.  

What does this tell us? If the “charity” was the Magdalen Hospital, then the gift was made before they moved to Lambeth in 1869 -  something of value came with the hospital from Blackfriars. 

Is it a statue, a fountain, or something else? At this point, further investigation is needed. If you have any knowledge about the Magdalen mystery to share with readers, please get in touch.