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 […]
The surprising link between Downing Street’s Red Box and a Carshalton mansion
This leather Red Box is traditionally seen in Downing Street at the announcement of the Budget. It represents the Chancellor of the Exchequer and has been a familiar symbol of government finance since the 1860s. The box itself is currently made by Barrow, Hepburn & Gale, a leather manufacturer with some roots in Carshalton. One […]
Wild Carshalton: diverse wildlife in suburbia
David Attenborough was the star of Wild London on BBC TV. So we thought it would be fun to see what kind of wildlife is specifically in and around Carshalton. Here’s a small collection of images exclusive to Secret Carshalton. Please feel free to share your own images in the comments below. Carshalton has a […]
Carshalton Pigeon Man becomes Instagram Sensation
EXCLUSIVE Meet Gaz – better know by the handle @Woodywoodpigeon. What started as a small hobby, has now really taken on wings. Gaz loves pigeons and photographs them daily for other pigeon-followers to enjoy across the world. He even helps care for birds with an illness or a disability. Secret Carshalton found out more. So […]
The incredible 1000-year timeline of Carshalton’s miniature Upper Mill
The site of this unassuming little building is a source of so much local history pertinent to the local area. Going back nearly 1,000 years, the mill has been rebuilt and adapted a lot throughout that time. Although the current mill building is relatively recent it still provides a reminder of the long and industrious […]
Stunning photo of lost pond and rockery in The Grove is a reminder of richer times
*Historical* This recently discovered photo featuring an ornamental pond and rockery is absolutely stunning. It would have been part of the gardens of the last private owners of The Grove mansion, and possibly laid out by them – though at the time of writing this isn’t clear. For whatever reason the pond was filled in. […]
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, […]
The old wooden building in The Grove used as a Cricket Pavilion, Park Cafe, Bowling Club, and possibly Stables
*Historical* We take a look at the long and varied life of the wooden clubhouse in The Grove which is currently maintained and used by Carshalton Bowling Club. It’s also been used as a cricket pavilion, park cafe and possibly started life as stables. Let’s take a look at its history. The first map I’ve […]
Forgotten home of Carshalton’s RICHEST man demolished over 200 years ago
*Historical* Stone Court was owned and lived in by the Lord of the Manor of Carshalton, who had planned to build a far grander country home in nearby Carshalton Park. However Thomas Scawen squandered much of his cash and never finished his new home, and Stone Court was eventually sold off to pay debts… Thomas […]