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 is now belonging to John Holland Esq.”
Mr James Newton owned calico printing works and bleaching grounds, situated just behind the property, around the area now known as Birchwood Avenue.
Calico is a coarse off-white cotton fabric, bleached to make it white.
The alkaline river water of the Wandle was used to clean and process the fabric.
The house fell into disrepair after the war but has since been refurbished and is now a care home. It was Grade 2 listed in 1954.
🗝 The name Calico derives from a city in India once called Calicut, known for its cotton textiles. The city is now known as Kozhikode.
Historical information thanks to Wandle.org (Wandle Industrial Museum).
Tracing the Hamlet of Wallington through its beautiful old buildings
Ive often wondered the history of that building, and its so interesting to know now, who built it and lived in it. thankyou.
Nice to hear you found it of interest.