History of Wandsworth

History of WandsworthFrom the Ice Age to

modern times

Ice Age

Little known fact is the remains of huge mammoth and woolly rhinoceros who lived during the last Ice Age have been found in Wandsworth and Battersea. 20,000 years ago, Wandsworth looked like modern Siberia-pine and frozen soils.

The First Colonizers

Half a million years ago, the climate changed dramatically with several ice ages and warmer periods in between. This is the time when the first people lived here.During the years, people lived as hunters, farmers, craftsmen and lived in communities. No written descriptions were left by them.Many prehistoric items show that people mainly lived near the river because of the constant need of water supply.

The Roman Period

London(Londinium) has started its existence by the end of the first century. During the Romans'presence, large Romano-British communities produced most of London's food supplies. Though the only known and proven Roman settlement was in Putney, Roman remains were also found in Wandsworth and Battersea.

Medieval Villages

After 410 AD, Britain was invaded and settled by Angles, Saxons and Jutes coming from northern Europe. Some Anglo-Saxon items were found around the place. Moreover, the Anglo-Saxon name for Wandsworth is “Waendelsorde”.

Tudor Times

During that time, Wandsworth villages were well established because of the growing influence of London. The Thames served as an important link with the capital and supported the traditional trades of fishing and ferrying. Later when London became crowded and extremely unhealthy, rich merchants and officials ran away to settle this region.

Refugees from Europe

The Brazil Mill, also known as Wandsworth produced a red dye in the late 1500s when the village gave refuge to Protestant craftsmen fleeing religious persecution in Europe. What made Wandsworth famous were their bleaching, silk weaving, calico printing, hat and wig making.

Georgian Wandsworth

Wandsworth continued to be a small group of rural villages until the beginning of 18th century. Since the construction of Putney bridge which connected more strongly the area with London, Wandsworth expanded. The first major buildings like churches and schools occurred.

The Mayor of Garratt

Actually, these are mock elections which are traditional since the 18th century. Held during the same time as the elections to Parliament, they were centred upon the Leather Bottle pub in Garratt Lane. The obligations of the chosen mayor included pronouncing comic speeches and looking eccentric.

The First Railway

The world's first public railway opened in 1803 and it ran from Croydon to Wandsworth. Built to transport the products of the Wandle mills to Wandsworth, but unfortunately wasn't a financial success. Built to transport the products of the Wandle mills to Wandsworth, but unfortunately wasn't a financial success and was closed in 1846.

Factories

During the 19th century new industries developed. For instance, Price's Candles and Morgan's Crucibles were amongst the companies that built major factories here.

Victorian TimesNow the area is finally part of Greater London and thousands of houses were built here. The suburbs grew as important and it became easier to travel to the city to work.This is the time when lots of hospitals, churches and libraries were built. In addition, fire and ambulance services were provided.

The First World WarWandsworth and Battersea each raised a battalion of soldiers though the initial optimism that Germany will be defeated faded.Unfortunately, women took on the jobs of men who were missing during the war.

Post War PeriodLogically, after the First World War, a severe shortage of housing occurred. As a result, local councils were given government subsidy in order to expand the number of houses. So Wandsworth celebrated its 1,000th house in 1927. Moreover, many had bathrooms for the first time.What is more, in the post-war years people faced food and fuel shortages and unemployment, so they often entertained themselves by going to cinema and dance halls. This is also when the interest of fitness started.

The Second World War

Despite the fact that the war ended in 1945, the consequences were felt from the following generations. Fuel and food remained to be in shortage.

The 50s & 60sThe housing shortage problem was finally solved, not without a vigorous programme of high-rise building. As a result, many people moved to Croydon and Crawley.

The Festival of BritainThe Festival Pleasure Gardens, built at Battersea Park helped a lot to the region. Moreover, in 1953 the country celebrated the coronation of Elizabeth II and many people attended local street parties or watched the great event on TV.

1960s

The population increased dramatically during the 1800s. This is why boroughs were created. In 1965, Battersea and Wandsworth combined to form the new London Borough of Wandsworth.

NowadaysNew people moved to the area. Many from India, Pakistan and East Africa came here to form the rich cultural diversity of Wandsworth.The total population is 307,700 from which53.3% White British2.5% White Irish15.5% Other White1.5 % White & Black Caribbean1.3 White & Asian2.8% Indian3.2% Pakistani1.2% Chinese4.8% Black African4% Black Caribbean

Sourceswww.wandsworth.gov.co.uk

Courtesy of

The most reliable handymen in Wandsworth