Move over Lavender – we uncover the long lost industry that gave Carshalton its name
In the same way that the chalky soil has made Carshalton perfect for growing Lavender, the abundance of spring water also made the area particularly suited to growing watercress. Yes, this simple plant was once grown extensively across the chalky basin of the north downs. People couldn’t get enough of it. Watercress was popular because […]
Step inside Carshalton’s oldest building – in continuous use for 900 years
All Saints Church with its commanding view of the ponds, is undoubtedly the place with the richest history in all of Carshalton. But what are the very oldest parts of the building? You’re going to find out… We’re investigating the remaining parts of the original church that date way back to the early 1100s. The […]
Hidden 500 year old priory floor spotted at wheelhouse in Merton
*Walks* A quick jaunt over the Sutton border brings you to Merton Abbey Mills. Here, the River Wandle provides a powerful flow to feed an historic waterwheel. There’s been water-generated industry in this area since at least 1724 The wheelhouse has 18th century origins, whereas the wheel is newer, dating from 1850 to 1885. By […]
The origins of Carshalton’s largest commercial High Street building
It’s interesting to note that the investors who created one of the largest buildings in Carshalton village, can most likely be attributed to the South Suburban Co-operative Society Ltd. They are now simply known as the Co-Op but at this time were formed by merging with the Croydon Co-operative (and others) in 1918. When the […]
The Haunted House of West Street
Did you know this old house in Carshalton is haunted? Its spooky past featured in a famous book written over 100 years ago. So next time you’re in West Street, don’t look up at the windows, as you may find a ghost looking back at you. Let’s uncover more… Step out of Carshalton train station […]
Walk Through a Real-life 18th Century Oil Painting at Painshill
*Local Walks* Painshill Park sits close to the M25 in Cobham. In 1738 Mr Charles Hamilton, a London MP, purchased a small farmhouse in the Surrey countryside. It came with a good deal of land – 200 acres – which was just perfect for his plans. Having been inspired by landscape paintings and his Grand […]
Entire Rock Aristocracy Descend on Beddington for the Funeral of Guitar Legend Jeff Beck
The funeral of the late, great Jeff Beck took place at St Mary’s Church in Beddington on Friday 3 February 2023. There’s probably never been such a star-studded occasion in the area, and passers-by described it as ‘surreal’. Attendees included Eric Clapton, Kate Bush, David Gilmour, Brian May, Ronnie Wood, Tom Jones, Harry Enfield, Vic […]
Suburban home in Carshalton Beeches hosts 1935 Firewalking experiment which sparks worldwide wonder
*Historical* A rather grand suburban home in Carshalton Beeches holds a surprising secret. For it was here in the 1930s, that famous ghost hunter Harry Price conducted paranormal experiments in the back garden – as depicted in the illustration above. Harry Price gathered dignitaries from the University of London Council to witness an unusual event. […]
All Saints priest is one of the earliest images of a Carshalton resident
This is Walter Gaynesford. He became the priest of All Saints church when he was about 30 years old – over a staggering 500 years ago. As well as being one of the very first images of a Carshalton resident, it’s also the first known image of an All Saints priest. We do know a […]