Du Cane Court
Du Cane Court is an Art Deco apartment block on Balham High Road, Balham, south London. A distinctive local landmark, it was opened in 1937 and, with 677 apartments, is the largest privately owned block of flats under one roof in Europe.
It was a popular place to live for many music hall stars in the 1930s and 1940s and boasted a social club, on the top floor, before the area was converted into flats. Past residents have included the comedian Tommy Trinder. Currently comedian and writer Arthur Smith, the self-styled 'Bard of Balham', is a resident.
During the Second World War it was speculated that Du Cane Court had escaped bombing because it was planned for use by military officers in the event of a successful German invasion. This and related legends were explored by writer Steve Punt in a 2009 BBC Radio 4 programme called Punt PI.
Similar Art Deco residential buildings in London include Florin Court, Cholmeley Lodge and Hillfield Court
