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 […]
Famous therapy cat who died at Hackbridge Kennels in 1949 was awarded rare military medal
This brave black and white cat served for the Royal Navy on HMS Amethyst in 1949, and enjoyed his final days in the comfort of Hackbridge Kennels and Cattery. Simon has the honour of being the ONLY CAT to have ever received the Dickin Medal, which says: “For Gallantry. We also serve” This is the […]
The 100 Shackleton Huskies that sadly never made it home
*Historical* Sir Ernest Shackleton is famous for being the captain of Endurance, the ship that took him and his crew on a doomed voyage to Antarctica in 1914. Their exploits have been covered in numerous films and tv programs. To pull the expedition through treacherous snow, dogs such as Samson pictured above, were needed. So […]
Old railings are all that remain of Battersea Dogs Home in Hackbridge
*Historical* It’s hard to believe that Battersea Dogs Home once owned large kennels in Hackbridge. You would have seen them when standing at this spot on the railway bridge looking towards what are now blocks of flats. The famous dogs home began life at Battersea in 1871, but due to a rabies outbreak in London […]
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 […]
First UK Black Swans imported from Australia to Hackbridge in 1851
*Historical* This majestic black swan could once have been spotted around Carshalton ponds, and gives it name to Hackbridge morris dancing group, Black Swan Border Morris. This is the story of Hackbridge landowner Sam Gurney MP. A bird lover, he imported some black swans from Australia in 1851 – one of the first people in […]