Unseen 1958 image shows the Grove Cascade 10 years before reconstruction

*Historical* Look closely at this famous Carshalton landmark and you’ll realise it looks slightly different to what is there now. This beautiful autumnal image was taken by Bill Rudd in October 1958 and permission was given to show it here by the Merton Historical Society. Ten years later in 1968 the whole area was renovated, […]

Pure Witchcraft – the beautiful solid oak cottage in Cheam that moved 100 feet

A wonderful early 16th century or late 15th Century shop in Cheam that originated as a cottage. It has a magnificent full height ceiling with a mezzanine level. The structure is famous for having been moved around 100 feet, back in 1922 when road widening took place. It’s now a charming Haberdashery called Whichcraft, situated […]

Clever Google Maps Tool allows you to see Carshalton in a Whole New Light

maps night

You can fly over central Carshalton and view the area from different times of day. You can watch as the sun moves around a building and see what the weather is going to be in real-time. At the time of writing, this intriguing new tool from Google is only available on mobile devices, and just […]

Have you spotted this old direction sign in Sutton – keep or remove?

This direction sign on the border of Sutton and Carshalton is an evocative reminder of days past. Thanks to Tamara Huntley for pointing it out. The road sign is possibly dated circa 1940. There can’t be many road signs that have moss growing on them! Should it be kept or removed? Your comments below… More […]

We’re delighted to now have 70 local businesses on our Sutton directory

Secret Carshalton has the most comprehensive independent online business directory in Sutton with 70 premium and standard customers. The businesses and local-interest group pages are owned and managed by members themselves, who have total and ongoing control on how their listing appears. The popular growing online directory provides a useful service for Carshalton, Sutton, and […]

Retro road sign at Rosehill dated 1956 from newly digitised photo collection

This vintage road sign once stood near Rosehill roundabout at Reigate Avenue. It shows Lower Morden, Morden, London, Sutton and Carshalton. The image is from The Bill Rudd Collection. Bill Rudd is best known for his book cataloging all the roads in St Heliers Estate that are named after Abbey’s (more on that another time) […]

The ponds would have had a soft, natural bed ideal for hooves

Ponds

*Historical* Some more images from a retrospective of Carshalton Ponds – featuring hand-coloured photographs. The bottom image shows a view of the Wandle running alongside the high street. It was moved underground as the water level began to drop and the area was developed. The upper pond, shown here, was also known as the horse […]