Imagine donkeys grazing lazily. Village children played cricket where we stand now at Walham Green. This was once a triangular plot of greensward.
Walham Green. The name itself whispers stories of a bygone era. It is now a part of inner London. It resides within the parish of Fulham. Once a distinct village, Walham Green sat nestled between North End and Parsons Green. Counter’s Creek formed its eastern boundary.
Let’s journey back to the 19th century. Counter’s Creek transformed into the Kensington Canal. Later, it became the West London Railway. In 1828, Walham Green gained its parish church, St John. It was built on the site of the old village pond. The District Railway’s arrival spurred urbanisation. Fulham’s heart shifted from All Saints parish church to Walham Green. The area’s center was renamed Fulham Broadway.
From 1880 to 1952, Fulham Broadway tube station bore the name Walham Green. Today, only Walham Grove remains. It is a tree-lined street. It is a subtle reminder of the village’s past identity.
Walham Green boasts a brewing history since 1765. The Swan Brewery stood near St John’s Church. The Stocken family brewed here for generations. In 1880, the Swan Brewery moved to land near Eel Brook Common. It was a stylish, mid-Victorian brewery. Its 130-foot chimney was ornate. Brewing ceased in 1928. The brewery closed soon after. By 1930, the site was cleared. Fulham Court now stands there.
In 1866, Walham Green hosted the first AAC Championships. The Amateur Athletic Club held the event. It took place in the grounds of Thomas Jones’ Beaufort House. He was the 7th Viscount Ranelagh.
Fulham Broadway is part of Fulham Road. It contains Fulham Town Hall and the tube station. The intersection with North End Road and Harwood Road is very busy. Frank Matcham’s Granville Theatre once stood here. It closed in 1971. Today, Fulham Broadway is a shopping mall. It has a cinema complex. Restaurants, pubs and small shops line pedestrian streets by St John’s church.
The rest of Walham Green is now part of conservation areas. It is a desirable place for young professionals. It is also appealing to Chelsea residents. Gloria Hunniford and Loyd Grossman once called this place home. Parson’s Green, the New King’s Road and Chelsea Harbour are nearby attractions.
The derivation of Walham Green’s name is unclear. Old documents mention Wendon, Wandon, Wansdon, Wansdown and Wandham. The present name appeared around the late 17th century. The green itself disappeared long ago. National schools occupy its site.
There were once noteworthy old houses in Walham Green. Few traces remain. The Butchers’ Almshouses were built in 1840.
Now, as you explore, remember Walham Green’s journey. From a village green to a bustling urban center. It has a rich history. It shaped this part of London.