Wandletowns, Carwalton and other bizarre names once considered for the London Borough of Sutton in 1965
Next time you see a London Borough of Sutton sign, consider that the area could have been called something else altogether. Secret Carshalton takes a look at 6 fascinating options that were once on the table… Let’s start with Carwalton… 1 Carwalton In 1965 the government wanted to change how London was organised. They decided […]
From Beating the Bounds to Straw Jack: 13 weird and wonderful local rituals, customs and long-lost events…
Customs and traditions define an area and are a link to our history. Some of these rituals still happen and others are currently having a break. From Straw Jack to the Carshalton Carnival – this ordinary London suburb has a surprising amount of heritage. Without further ado let’s begin in the 19th century… Beating the […]
Rare photo of a Porter on the platform at Carshalton Railway Station in the 1920s enhanced by AI
As you rush to catch a train, spare a moment to remember the nostalgic days of railway porters and steam trains. Carshalton would have had a head porter, assistant porter, junior porter, ticket collector and more. Their duties would include helping passengers, keeping the station clean and tidy, and stoking the waiting room fires in […]
Jeremiah Colman born at Carshalton Park House
Sir Jeremiah Colman was born at Carshalton Park on 24 April 1859. He lived in the house which stood roughly behind the Sainsbury’s in Carshalton High Street, as seen from the air in the photo above (Cryer Arts is top left). We discover more about his life in Carshalton. Who likes a bit of mustard […]
🎥 Video: Carshalton Lavender led the way when it began back in 1996 and it’s still going strong today
*Video story* The land at Stanley Road Allotments was purchased by local group BioRegional back in 1996 to reinvigorate the historic lavender-growing industry that was once a major part of Carshalton life. The group then became known as the Local Lavender Scheme before being named ‘Carshalton Lavender’ in 2003. It’s been managed by a team […]
The forgotten spot in Carshalton where England’s famous landscape artist John Constable once painted
There’s no plaque commemorating the spot, but by the corner of an old walled garden by Oaks Park was the location of a Smithy (a blacksmiths workshop). It was here that John Constable painted White Horse, a famous piece of art now in New York. The Smithy was located at the junction of Fairlawn Road […]
🎥 Video: Fabulous countryside views at Meet The Lambs Open Day on the edge of Carshalton
*Video Story* Carshalton has some wonderful countryside on its borders. This particular area is not usually open to the public. Secret Carshalton pays a visit to the Downlands Partnership HQ to meet some cute lambs and enjoy the surprising views. This video can also be viewed on the Secret Carshalton YouTube channel. Please subscribe. Connected […]
Inside the cramped Spring Head that’s the most westerly source of the River Wandle
Secret Carshalton was invited to crawl through a Wandle Spring Head. It’s on private land owned by the Sisters of The Cross of Liège, and maintained by the Friends of Carshalton Water Tower. An area better known as the grounds of St Philomena’s Catholic High School for Girls. Having grappled with the rusty lock (thanks […]
Sutton’s very own quirky Dragons’ Den style charity knockout
Which charity is most deserving of your hard-earned cash? This innovative evening event sets to find out. As contestants battle it out the audience has the final say when voting begins. Set within a fun and lighthearted framework, punters pay a fiver to get in and enjoy some delicious homemade soup to boot. Each charity […]