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 … Read More
Why Are There No Pubs in Carshalton Beeches? The Mystery of The Quaker Covenant
Like a sect, the Quakers seem a quiet and secretive bunch, controlling where we go and what we do… Stop there. First off, don’t get your hopes up. I’ve found no evidence of a Quaker covenant depriving us of our enjoyment of a pint on every street corner in Carshalton Beeches. But … Read More
Location of Old Boundary Wall Around Carshalton Park
I thought it would be interesting to plot the rough location of the old park wall, to scale, and to see that Carshalton park about 120 years ago was 4 – 5 times larger than it is now. You can of course still see some of the original old boundary wall around the area, some … Read More
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 … Read More
Bank Of England Governor, Sir William Scawen Has An Ornate Memorial At All Saints Carshalton
Thomas Scawen was the man who created The Grotto in Carshalton Park (see my previous post about The Grotto), and he had inherited the land from his uncle, who had no heirs. 🗝 His uncle Sir William Scawen is pictured here. He once had the prestigious and lucrative role of the Governor of … Read More
Jeremiah Coleman born at Carshalton Park House
This little waterfall has been played on by numerous children over the years, even back in the 1860s when it was still part of Carshalton Park. Who likes a bit of mustard on their roast dinner? You’ve got the little boy on the left of the old waterfall photo to thank for that. … Read More
The Carshalton Water Mill that Produced Engine for World’s first Kit-Car in 1900
Ironworks used water to power tools and heat furnaces to build things made of iron, in this case patented products such as early car engines (specifically for this Hyler Whyte – the world’s first kit-car from 1900) and steam-driven pumps etc.
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 … Read More
Kings and Queens of Carshalton – Uncovering 500 years of Royal visits and connections
*Updated* This is the famous well in the heart of Carshalton village that may be named after Tudor Queen, Anne Boleyn. She possibly stopped at Carshalton, perhaps on the way to Carew Manor in Beddington, where she met King Henry VIII for four days of ‘pleasure’. From Diana, Princess of Wales to the Duke … Read More
The Forgotten Ghosts of Carshalton
Carshalton is now a bustling, busy and large village on the outskirts of London, and with a constant stream of traffic, but it’s not always been that way. When night comes, peace and quiet descends and the ghosts of the past come out and visit. Late at night when darkness has fallen, are you … Read More
Brilliant Boleyn – The Artist and the Architects
Quick Links: The Artist / The Legend For those of you relatively new to Carshalton, you would never have seen the wooden Sculpture of Tudor Queen, Anne Boleyn at Church Hill. The empty plinth is where she once stood, and for nearly 50 years this prestigious sculpture has overlooked the site of Anne Boleyn’s Well. … Read More
Brilliant Boleyn – The Carshalton Legend of Anne Boleyn
Quick Links: The Artist / The Legend Historians believe that the Anne Boleyn’s Well was never named after the Tudor Queen, but is purely a mis-spelling of an earlier name. However, they are agreed that there’s a possibility she did visit. Every aspect of Anne Boleyn’s life is controversial. Her birth date, her personality, her … Read More
The World-Famous Rock Stars who Surprisingly Performed in Carshalton Park
We thought we’d look back at some of the amazing musical events that have taken place locally over the years. Looking back, which of these big names do you recognise… Goth-rockers The Cure (Friday I’m In Love, Just Like Heaven etc.) played at a Carshalton Park Open Air Concert in 1979, soon after … Read More
Woodcote Green in Wallington was the First UK Garden Centre with a Drive-Through
Here’s a few bits of info about Woodcote Garden Centre. Back in 2015 it was winner of the UK’s Best Large Garden Centre, a prestigious Garden Retail Awards, under the stewardship of Chris Milan. He passed away in 2017 and this memorial was created in the grounds (pictured). Under his guidance Woodcote … Read More
Historic 1943 Images from St Helier Hospital Brought to Life With Incredible New 3D Technology
These images are from The Imperial War Museum and show the work of Student Nurses at St Helier Hospital in Carshalton in 1943. Using 3D technology Secret Carshalton has given the images a new lease of life… A full length portrait of Joyce Collier wearing the outdoor uniform of a State Registered Nurse, outside … Read More
Bringing Old Carshalton Photos Back to Life Using Incredible New 3D Technology
Using new 3D imaging software it’s interesting to see how these old photos are given new life. From the Rector talking to the gardener in the grounds of Grove house, to the High Street and walking by the ponds. Some work better than others, but it’s fun to view… © London Borough of Sutton … Read More
Hexagonal Penfold Victorian Post Box in Carshalton Beeches is Over 150 Years Old
There’s quite a lot to say about this old Penfold Post Box (as it’s now officially known). When it was first installed in Carshalton Beeches over 150 years ago, around 1866, it would have been painted green and gold. About 10 – 15 years later it became red. It’s a much loved but … Read More
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