Grand Wallington house once owned by Pre-Raphaelite artist Arthur Hughes
*Historical* Hard to believe this is the only one of Wallington’s large houses to survive intact. This is Wandle Bank. The present building dates from the early 1700s though there’s thought to have been a house on this site for much longer. It was once owned by the Pre-Raphaelite painter Arthur Hughes (pictured here aged […]
The River Wandle helped fund this large georgian house in Wallington
This imposing 3-storey home in Wallington, is at 282 London Road next to Wallington Bridge. It sits alongside the River Wandle. The Wandle helped pay for its construction. Bridge House was mentioned in 1789. “a handsome house built with grey stock-bricks… This house was built a few years ago by Mr.Newton of Merton Abbey. It […]
Europe’s biggest camera distributor developed Carshalton
“Roll up, roll up, get yourself the latest camera! There’s a camera especially for you madam, a camera for you sir and even a special camera for young people” – That’s how one Victorian salesman may have plied his trade, and it paid for the development of an historic Carshalton landmark – Honeywood house. Here’s the story […]
Hackbridge’s oldest homes are super-cute
*Historical* There’s always something interesting to spot where we live. Situated a short distance from the Wandle and the site of the old Hack Bridge, you’ll find this row of cottages. A handy sign close by explains the history of the place. There’s not a lot of old Hackbridge left so these are a particular […]
Visit Carshalton’s historic Summerhouse – a real hidden gem
*Historical* As far as we know, for the first time ever, this grand little building in Carshalton will be open to the public – as part of London’s Open House Festival 2024. You’ll find it in the garden of Bramblehaw Cottage. The Summerhouse was built at the turn of the last century. This building stood […]
Visit the stunning 17th Century Blue Room at Canons House in Mitcham
*News* This is the Blue Room at Canons House in Mitcham, in the London Borough of Merton. Secret Carshalton recently took a public guided tour of this fascinating old home. The house was built circa 1680 and the wood panelling survives from this period. The wooden staircase is also dated to this era (scroll down […]
Surviving 19th century laundry room is a reminder of how hard life once was
The simple task of turning on a washing machine was not a luxury available to the family who once lived at what is now the Honeywood Museum in Carshalton. Here’s a brief look at the old scullery… which is open to the public. In early Edwardian times you would need to use this big iron […]
The Hidden House on the Hill with Britain’s RICHEST History – in Beddington
This once grand home stands on a high point in Beddington, it would have had panoramic views over fields and the River Wandle below. In 1906 there was a large bowling green in front. It’s still standing and is situated on The Brandries, off Guy Road in Beddington. 🗝 Brick built, possibly in the early […]