🎥 History sleuth tracks down family of long-lost photo album
*Video* A chance purchase led Chris Pocock on a journey through time. He discovered this beautiful leather-bound book, packed with nostalgic Victorian images from the 1880s, and just had to find out more… So Chris began to trace the story of the album’s owner, Lydia Wiles. Lydia taught at the Female Orphan Asylum, which was […]
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River WandleIslands in the streamCarshalton VillagePeople don’t usually think of Carshalton and Beddington as places with islands. But follow the River Wandle and its ponds, channels and lakes and you’ll find a surprising number of them. Some were created by the river, others by people diverting water to power mills or shaping the landscape. This isn’t an exhaustive list — […]
Bongs on Carshalton High Street? When did that happen?NewsHave you noticed something slightly unexpected appearing on Carshalton High Street? Bongs. Yes, those glass smoking devices that you might once have associated with student bedrooms, festivals or rather more alternative corners of society are now being sold on the High Street. So what’s a bong, exactly? It’s basically a pipe with a chamber of […]
Objects of interestTree-mendous! New measurement finally announced for Carshalton’s giant treeCarshalton VillageEXCLUSIVE Carshalton’s much-loved giant tree has been officially measured again – and the results show it has grown significantly since it was last measured more than 60 years ago. The impressive London plane beside the stream that feeds Carshalton Ponds has been remeasured following a request to the Forestry Commission, with the official results now […]
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5 Surprising things about Riddlesdown Common
Riddlesdown Common is one of South London’s hidden gems. This circular walk, starting from the Riddlesdown Common car park and heading…
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- Suburban home in Carshalton Beeches hosts 1935 Firewalking experiment which sparks worldwide wonder“It’s crazy the things people would do for attention. Interesting piece of Carshalton history”
- The origins of Carshalton’s largest commercial High Street building“Yes, I remember the High Street as it was then. Cannot add details about the building but the shop to the right was owned by Deakin family as ‘Gents Outfitters’. Run by father and two brothers, one of whom was named Barry.”
- Why isn’t Carshalton Railway Station on STATION ROAD?“As usual, great research and well written. Many thanks.”
Beddington🎥 History sleuth tracks down family of long-lost photo album*Video* A chance purchase led Chris Pocock on a journey through time. He discovered this beautiful leather-bound book, packed with nostalgic Victorian images from the 1880s, and just had to find out more… So Chris began to trace the story of the album’s owner, Lydia Wiles. Lydia taught at the Female Orphan Asylum, which was […]- 20 minutes by car5 Surprising things about Riddlesdown CommonRiddlesdown Common is one of South London’s hidden gems. This circular walk, starting from the Riddlesdown Common car park and heading towards Whyteleafe Recreation Ground, combines history, nature and some surprisingly dramatic scenery. Here are five highlights to look out for along the way. 1. The Roman Road One of the most fascinating aspects of […]
- NewsBongs on Carshalton High Street? When did that happen?Have you noticed something slightly unexpected appearing on Carshalton High Street? Bongs. Yes, those glass smoking devices that you might once have associated with student bedrooms, festivals or rather more alternative corners of society are now being sold on the High Street. So what’s a bong, exactly? It’s basically a pipe with a chamber of […]
CommunityThe bountiful resource growing all around us that often goes to waste. Not anymore!A new Carshalton volunteer group is harvesting unwanted fruit from gardens and public spaces and sharing it with schools, food banks and community groups.
30 minutes by carThere’s a woodland café hidden in the Surrey Hills – and you CAN’T reach it by carThis walk takes about 25 minutes to reach an unusual place called ‘Coffee in the Copse’ – it’s unreachable directly by car. At the secret cafe we were served by a friendly Polish lady who has ran the place for the last couple of years or so. The Surrey Hills location is surprisingly difficult to […]
20 minutes by carThe most intact fighter airfield from WW2If you’re looking for a short, scenic walk steeped in history, the 2-mile circular trail around RAF Kenley Airfield is a perfect choice. Located near Coulsdon on the border of Surrey in south London, this former World War II fighter station played a key role during the Battle of Britain. Walking the perimeter path, you’ll […]
NewsCarshalton church scores 750,000-view TikTok hit as vicars go viralChurch of England priests are finding huge audiences on TikTok by showing an unexpected side of church life — and All Saints’ Carshalton has one of the accounts leading the way.- Carshalton VillageIslands in the streamPeople don’t usually think of Carshalton and Beddington as places with islands. But follow the River Wandle and its ponds, channels and lakes and you’ll find a surprising number of them. Some were created by the river, others by people diverting water to power mills or shaping the landscape. This isn’t an exhaustive list — […]
NewsWhich is Carshalton’s BEST coffee shop?Yes, it’s finally here. The vote to end all votes. Which is Carshalton’s BEST coffee shop? It’s the 16th Secret Carshalton LIVE Poll. Yes, we’ve been doing them for ages – and a big thank you for voting over the years, and welcome if you’re new here. Remember, you can cast your vote just once […]- Carshalton VillageTree-mendous! New measurement finally announced for Carshalton’s giant treeEXCLUSIVE Carshalton’s much-loved giant tree has been officially measured again – and the results show it has grown significantly since it was last measured more than 60 years ago. The impressive London plane beside the stream that feeds Carshalton Ponds has been remeasured following a request to the Forestry Commission, with the official results now […]
