‘Britain’s Tallest Plane Tree’ Set for New Height Check in Carshalton

One of Carshalton’s most remarkable landmarks could soon discover whether it still holds a unique national title. The towering plane tree in Festival Walk, close to the historic Old Rectory, was officially recognised by the Forestry Commission in 1964 as Britain’s tallest plane tree. A plaque at the site records the achievement, but the tree […]

Beddington Farmlands – slow and steady wins the race

For the first time this weekend I visited Beddington Farmlands, joining a group of people to see the areas not usually open to the public. The Ikea towers loomed large in the distance. I went with an open mind to learn more about the location. I’m incredibly grateful to the people who helped make this […]

Discovering Croydon’s surprisingly nice architecture

Neighbouring Sutton, Croydon was recently listed in the top 10 of the UK’s worst towns. In the authors opinion this is very unfair. Croydon appears to have a relatively small amount of people that continually manage to tar its reputation. But it has a surprisingly expansive shopping district with, for example, one of the largest […]

The Wonders of West Street

This is a charming old street in Carshalton. In this post we’re gradually adding houses and history, so please check back as we discover and share more information. So, in no particular order… Nelson House 19 West Street The exact history is unclear, but it’s considered to be a place where Lord Nelson and his […]

Wandle Trail: Carshalton to Morden Hall via Ravensbury Park and Watermeads

*Weekend walks* Join us on a fascinating short walk from Carshalton to Morden Hall taking in Ravensbury Park and the charming Watermeads Nature Reserve, land saved and protected thanks to National Trust founder Octavia Hill and her sister Miranda.  It takes about an hour and a quarter to reach Morden Hall from Carshalton, and you […]

The Grotto in a Greenhouse

The London Borough of Sutton is lucky enough to be able to boast of three, yes three, historic Grottoes. These are Victorian oddities designed to enthral and entertain guests. In Carshalton Park there’s a Grotto nearly 300 years old, and one of the oldest in the country. There’s one at St.Philomena’s (though strictly speaking that’s […]

Does this finally solve the mystery of the Frying Pan in Carshalton Park

Some have suggested it was a bowling green, others a large pond, or perhaps signs of an alien landing. However, with the help of the pictures below, perhaps it can all be attributed to a large mansion house – but one that was never built. Let me tell you more… Landowner and lord of the […]

The Old Wooden Buildings of Carshalton

Take a step back in time… here’s a look at some wooden weatherboard buildings, which were once a common design feature that dotted Carshalton High Street, as this old image below shows. To the right of the main pic was once a small maze of worker cottages, such as these houses at Clark’s Yard in […]

The Grotto In Carshalton Park Was Once Completely Covered in Flint

One of my regular wanders takes in The Grotto at Carshalton Park. Did you know Carshalton’s grotto is even older than other better known ones, such as Stourhead, Goldney and Painshill. 🗝 The Grotto was originally constructed around 1724, and designed by the land owner Thomas Scawen. He lived in Stone Court, a building which […]