Sir Montague Burton’s forgotten Art Deco menswear store in Sutton
Burton is a menswear store that started out in 1903, in Chesterfield, south of Sheffield. Following national expansion in the 1920s, this particular branch in Sutton was likely designed by in-house architect Harry Wilson, employed from 1923. The building dates between 1901 and 1910 and the tall stone facade was most likely added […]
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder – Brutalism at Boots
Continuing my Eye on Sutton here’s a rather contentious building on the High Street. Brutalist architecture emerged during the 1950s and was a reaction to the nostalgic style of the 1930s and 1940s. Buildings are characterised by utilising materials such as concrete and highlighting the structure as a design approach, rather than being traditionally decorative. […]
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 […]
🎥 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 […]
🎥 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 […]
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 […]
🎥 Video: A Brief History of the Grade II listed The Cock sign in Sutton
*Video Story* A brief look at the heritage of the iconic Cock sign in Sutton High Street. This short movie is best viewed on the Secret Carshalton YouTube channel. Please subscribe.
Sutton’s long-lost 2,390 seat music venue demolished in 1979
*Historical* It’s surprising how many entertainment venues were once in central Sutton, so to start here’s a look at one of the biggest… This venue in Carshalton Road played host in person to Hollywood legends Laurel and Hardy (programme pictured from 1952), comedy duo Morecambe and Wise, Rod Stewart and The Faces (1973), Cliff Richard […]
A brief history of the Royal Marsden hospital in Sutton opened by Queen Elizabeth II
This was most likely the only visit by Queen Elizabeth II to the London Borough of Sutton. On the left of the Queen is Professor David Smithers. He was an eminent radiologist and was responsible for acquiring what was the old Downs Hospital site. With the medical physicist Val Mayneord, he conceived the idea of a […]