Fancy a trip back in time? Sutton’s story stretches back over a thousand years. It is a tale of sleepy villages transforming into a bustling London town.
Sutton is a town in South London. It is the administrative headquarters of the London Borough of Sutton. Sutton sits on the lower slopes of the North Downs.
Let’s start our journey in 1086. Sutton appeared in the Domesday Book as Sudtone. This Old English name means “south farm”. Back then, Sutton had two churches and about 30 houses. The population was around 200 people.
Fast forward to the 18th century. The London to Brighton turnpike arrived in 1755. This major road spurred growth in Sutton. Coaching inns opened to serve travelers. Highwaymen also roamed the road.
The railway arrived in 1847. Sutton became connected to central London. The town’s population more than doubled between 1851 and 1861. New housing sprang up in the Lind Road area named “New Town”.
Sutton Water Company was incorporated in 1863. Water mains allowed houses to be built beyond the Thanet Sands area. Sutton’s population more than doubled again between 1861 and 1871.
Sutton High School for Girls opened in 1884. Then Sutton County Grammar School opened in 1899. It is now known as Sutton Grammar School for Boys.
The Sutton Adult School and Institute opened in 1910. It later became the Thomas Wall Centre. Thomas Wall was famous for Wall’s sausages and ice cream. He wanted to encourage learning.
During World War II, Sutton was not bombed as heavily as central London. However, 434 bombs fell on Sutton and Cheam.
In 1950, the Cock Hotel was demolished. This was to widen the High Street. The inn sign survives at the historic crossroads.
Today, Sutton is a major metropolitan center. It has a large library and several works of public art. Sutton High Street is a major shopping area.
Sutton has four conservation areas. One is in the town center. The others are residential. Sutton is home to many businesses. It also hosts the Royal Marsden Hospital and the Institute of Cancer Research.
The London Cancer Hub is planned for Sutton. It may become the world’s second largest cancer research campus. Sutton is also a hub for filming in south-west London. The Return of Mr Bean was filmed here.
Sutton’s story continues to unfold. New developments and regeneration projects are underway. Sutton is a town with a rich past and a bright future. It blends its historical roots with modern ambitions. A place where community and progress go hand in hand.