🎥 History sleuth tracks down family of long-lost photo album

*Video* A chance purchase led Chris Pocock on a journey through time. He discovered this beautiful leather-bound book, packed with nostalgic Victorian images from the 1880s, and just had to find out more… So Chris began to trace the story of the album’s owner, Lydia Wiles. Lydia taught at the Female Orphan Asylum, which was […]

Islands in the stream

People don’t usually think of Carshalton and Beddington as places with islands. But follow the River Wandle and its ponds, channels and lakes and you’ll find a surprising number of them. Some were created by the river, others by people diverting water to power mills or shaping the landscape. This isn’t an exhaustive list — […]

Tree-mendous! New measurement finally announced for Carshalton’s giant tree

Three people measuring the girth of Carshalton's giant London plane tree with a tape measure

EXCLUSIVE Carshalton’s much-loved giant tree has been officially measured again – and the results show it has grown significantly since it was last measured more than 60 years ago. The impressive London plane beside the stream that feeds Carshalton Ponds has been remeasured following a request to the Forestry Commission, with the official results now […]

Why isn’t Carshalton Railway Station on STATION ROAD?

We investigate the road that leads to nowhere. Through a variety of maps and historical commentary, we inspect the evidence surrounding whether there was ever a railway station on Station Road in Carshalton. It’s a hot topic of debate amongst locals, and we’ve compiled everything we know as of 2026. Spoiler alert – there was […]

Did you know the water in Carshalton Ponds gets pumped in from 1.5 miles away?

We tend to think of Carshalton Ponds as a permanent feature of village life. The water flowing through The Grove feels as though it has always been there and always will be. But the reality is very different. Today, the ponds continue to receive water from natural springs and rainfall, but they are also supported […]

Beddington Farmlands – slow and steady wins the race

For the first time this weekend I visited Beddington Farmlands, joining a group of people to see the areas not usually open to the public. The Ikea towers loomed large in the distance. I went with an open mind to learn more about the location. I’m incredibly grateful to the people who helped make this […]

The local businessman who built and dedicated almshouses to his lost child

*Historical* You may have assumed these buildings by the Pay and Display car park in Carshalton High Street were built by the council. However it turns out they were most likely commissioned by Sir Samuel Barrow, the landowner living next door at The Grove mansion. The plaque on the front suggests that Palliser Homes were […]

Love, marriage and a lost fortune: The last private owners of The Grove

*Historical* From the height of Victorian success in London’s leather trade to their role as the last private owners of The Grove, the Barrows shaped Carshalton through business, family, and community – including founding the local cricket club and welcoming historian Dr Peatling into their family circle. This charming photo shows Sir Samuel Barrow and […]