The first mention of the Green Man and Horns tavern near Kennington Common was in 1725.
Cricket played on the common was mentioned as using the Horns as a base that year. Also other sports including quoits and bowling were played. Surrey Cricket Club was founded there in the 19th century.
In 1751, Kennington Road was "cut through gardens 80-foot wide" from Kennington Common at the Horns (Kennington Park Road) to Westminster Bridge. The court of the Manor of Kennington met here during the 18th century
In 1800, the tavern was mentioned again when the "much-respected Mr Briant", landlord of the Horns ran a famous Glee Club.
The Horns Tavern became not only was a place of drinking and entertainment but it also acted as a meeting place, lecture hall and exhibition space.
The by-then Horns Tavern and Assembly Rooms was rebuilt in 1887 to the designs of Messrs Crickmay and Son, seating 1000 people in the large assembly rooms. It was badly damaged by a flying bomb on 16th August 1944 and later demolished, being replaced by an office block in the 1960s.
