Hope's London birthplace sold

Bob Hope's London birthplace has been sold for £192,000.

The comic was born at 44 Craighton Road in Eltham, South London, on May 29, 1903.

The three-bedroomed terraced house, right, which now boasts a British Film Institute plaque on the wall, was sold almost immediately, but its comic heritage had little to do with the quick sale.

Estate agent Paul Harrison told the local newspaper The News Shopper: "The first couple said they wanted it as soon as they walked in.

"They're buying the house because it's a good residential area. They like the idea of Bob Hope being born here, but that's a dinner party talking piece more than anything else."

The last time the house was up for sale, five years ago, it went for just £86,000.

Baby Hope lived in several places in Britain as his father took work as a stonecutter wherever he could find it. The family moved to Ohio in 1908.

Published: 24 Jun 2003