Timeless Stories

Carew Manor is a large and grand brick-fronted mansion situated in Beddington Park.  Its long and varied history dates back at least 700 years, to the time when it was home to the influential Carew family. We’ve collected some entertaining facts and figures about Beddington’s fascinating listed building. Some of which you may have not […]

If you’re confused by the timeline of Carew Manor, that’s not surprising. It’s been rebuilt or remodelled at least 6 times. Here’s a quick look inside and out at Carew Manor in Beddington Park. A brief timeline of events, and the various buildings that make up the current area. It was home to the powerful […]

Weird. There is a mystery man that shows up in all the old Carshalton photos. Have you spotted him? Who can he be? He wears a Boater hat and is always there in the centre of the photo, posing for all to see. Perhaps he’s a friend of the photographer who’s been busily taking snaps […]

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 […]

*Historical* We take a look at the long and varied life of the wooden clubhouse in The Grove which is currently maintained and used by Carshalton Bowling Club. It’s also been used as a cricket pavilion, park cafe and possibly started life as stables.  Let’s take a look at its history. The first map I’ve […]

*Historical* Spare a thought that 270 years ago, the New Year didn’t start until the end of March. It was thanks to a previous owner of Carshalton House, that the new year now starts on 1 January. Lawyer Sir Philip Yorke, later Lord Chancellor and first Earl of Hardwicke enjoyed Carshalton House as his country […]

*Historical* The image above is a recreation of how an ancient iron age settlement looks, and is similar to the farmstead that once existed at a high point by Carshalton Park. It was situated around the patch of land, pictured below, behind the fence on the corner of two roads, The Park and Park Close. […]

Join us for a brief pictorial tour around Carshalton’s very own Hermitage, plus a few facts and figures. This quirky place stands in the grounds of St Philomena’s school, and was most likely built in the early 18th century by Sir John Fellowes. Sometimes wealthy homeowners would employ someone to impersonate a hermit, to entertain […]