Pembroke House

Pembroke House: 140 years of community, connections and change

Fri 14 March

Pembroke College

In 1885, Pembroke College students went to Walworth, South East London, to live and work alongside local people—laying the foundations for what became Pembroke House. 140 years later, Pembroke House remains a space for people to come together, shaped by shifting social challenges and the efforts of those who have passed through it.
Join us for an evening exploring Pembroke House’s history and transformation, with a lecture by Dr. Mattias Koli, whose PhD research and personal experience as a residential volunteer offer a unique perspective on how organisations like Pembroke House evolve, adapt, and continue their work in changing times.

The lecture will delve into the ideas that shaped Pembroke House’s beginnings, its role in Walworth today, and the difficult but necessary questions being asked about its future. What does it mean to build relationships in a neighbourhood marked by inequality and increasing gentrification? How does an organisation remain relevant in an era of rapid social change? And what lessons can Pembroke House offer for those working in community life today?

The lecture will be followed by a panel discussion, featuring voices from Pembroke House today - offering a chance to ask questions and engage in a discussion about the challenges and opportunities of working in a neighbourhood like Walworth. We invite anyone interested in community, social change, and the evolving role of organisations like Pembroke House to be part of the conversation.

Cost: Free