Secret Wimbledon & Southfields

Wimbledon, known for its prestigious tennis tournament, has a rich history dating back to the Iron Age. The original medieval village developed alongside nobility and wealthy merchants. The arrival of the London & South West Railway in 1838 shifted the focus towards the town. The book "Secret Wimbledon & Southfields" explores lesser-known aspects of the area's past, including tales of highwaymen and the visit of Kaiser Wilhelm II in 1891. It also covers interesting buildings, industry, notable people, wartime, and the development of Wimbledon town.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 96 pages
Publication date: 15 November 2020
Publisher: Amberley Publishing

Wimbledon, a renowned tennis tournament, has been held at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club since 1877, making it the oldest tennis championship in the world. However, the area's history extends far beyond the prestigious championships. Wimbledon has been inhabited since the Iron Age, with the original medieval village, now known as Wimbledon Village, evolving alongside a stable rural population and nobility. The arrival of the London & South West Railway in 1838 marked a shift in development, leading to the expansion of the town away from the original village. The neighboring district of Southfields initially consisted of fields between Wimbledon and Putney, but the railway's arrival in the late 19th century connected Wimbledon to Putney Bridge, transforming it into an area of Victorian and Edwardian houses.

In her book, author Ruth Mansergh delves into lesser-known aspects of Wimbledon and Southfields' past. She explores tales of highwaymen on Wimbledon Common and the visit of Kaiser Wilhelm II in 1891, who was honored with a grand military display in the area. Other chapters delve into interesting buildings, industries (from basketmaking to toys and sauce manufacturing), notable people, wartime experiences, and the development of Wimbledon town. Secret Wimbledon & Southfields presents a captivating chronicle of the area's intriguing and hidden heritage.

The book offers a wealth of information and insights into the history and culture of Wimbledon and Southfields, providing a deeper understanding of the area's past and its significance in London's rich heritage. Whether you are a local resident or a history enthusiast, this book is a must-read for anyone interested in discovering the hidden treasures of this remarkable neighborhood.

Weight: 300g
Dimension: 166 x 233 x 14 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781398100183