Timeless Stories

A wonderful early 16th century or late 15th Century shop in Cheam that originated as a cottage. It has a magnificent full height ceiling with a mezzanine level. The structure is famous for having been moved around 100 feet, back in 1922 when road widening took place. It’s now a charming Haberdashery called Whichcraft, situated […]

This direction sign on the border of Sutton and Carshalton is an evocative reminder of days past. Thanks to Tamara Huntley for pointing it out. The road sign is possibly dated circa 1940. There can’t be many road signs that have moss growing on them! Should it be kept or removed? Your comments below… More […]

*Historical* This fascinating old picture clearly depicts two All Saints churches next to each other – the old and the new. It’s dated 1904 on the back. On the right is the Norman Church just before further demolition – this area is where the original church organ once was. On the left is the Victorian […]

Burton is a menswear store that started out in 1903, in Chesterfield, south of Sheffield. Following national expansion in the 1920s, this particular branch in Sutton was likely designed by in-house architect Harry Wilson, employed from 1923.     The building dates between 1901 and 1910 and the tall stone facade was most likely added […]

Continuing my Eye on Sutton here’s a rather contentious building on the High Street. Brutalist architecture emerged during the 1950s and was a reaction to the nostalgic style of the 1930s and 1940s. Buildings are characterised by utilising materials such as concrete and highlighting the structure as a design approach, rather than being traditionally decorative. […]

Built by a Quaker family business founded in 1778, this cast iron pump provided running water for the residents of Carshalton from around the mid-1800s. On it is the inscription J Tylor and Sons Newgate Street EC. Installed in Pound Street this ‘pitcher pump’ would draw fresh Spring water from the ground, using a hand-operated […]

Next time you see a London Borough of Sutton sign, consider that the area could have been called something else altogether. Secret Carshalton takes a look at 6 fascinating options that were once on the table… Let’s start with Carwalton… 1 Carwalton In 1965 the government wanted to change how London was organised. They decided […]

Customs and traditions define an area and are a link to our history. Some of these rituals still happen and others are currently having a break. From Straw Jack to the Carshalton Carnival – this ordinary London suburb has a surprising amount of heritage. Without further ado let’s begin in the 19th century… Beating the […]