Did you know that New Wandsworth owes its existence to a river? The River Wandle shaped this area’s identity. Wandsworth got its name from this very river.
Wandsworth’s story starts long ago. The Domesday Book of 1086 mentions Wandsworth as Wandesorde. This old name meant “enclosure of Waendel”. Waendel was a man whose name also lives on in the River Wandle. To avoid confusion with the larger London Borough of Wandsworth, people often call this area Wandsworth Town.
Since the 16th century, Wandsworth has welcomed people from all over. Dutch metalworkers escaping persecution arrived in the 1590s. Then came the Huguenots in the 17th century. More recently, Eastern Europeans have made Wandsworth their home.
Brewing was once a major industry here. Young & Co’s Ram Brewery stood between Wandsworth town centre and the river. For years, shire horses delivered beer to local pubs. The brewery closed in 2006. Young & Co merged with Charles Wells. However, brewing still continues on the site. Sambrook’s Brewery now brews beer there. John Hatch, formerly of Young’s Brewery, is involved in tours.
Gas and power also have a history in New Wandsworth. The Wandsworth gas plant opened in 1834. It stood by the River Thames near Wandsworth Bridge. The company became the Wandsworth and Putney Gaslight and Coke Company. Coal arrived by sea from North East England for making gas. Over time, the company grew. It eventually became the Wandsworth and District Gas Company. In 1949, the company was nationalised.
Wandsworth power station provided electricity from 1897 to 1964. It was owned by the County of London Electric Supply Company Limited. The power station closed in 1964.
During World War I, Wandsworth raised its own battalion. Alderman Archibald Dawnay, the Mayor of Wandsworth, created the 13th Battalion. It was known as the East Surrey Regiment. The battalion fought on the Western Front. Corporal Edward “Tiny” Foster won the Victoria Cross for his actions.
After the war, Wandsworth helped rebuild Villers-Plouich. The towns became unofficially twinned. Memorial tablets in Wandsworth Town Hall honor the 13th Battalion.
Today, New Wandsworth has changed. New apartment blocks line the riverfront. You can find many bars and restaurants near Wandsworth Bridge. Wandsworth Common offers green space. The Toast Rack area features expensive townhouses.
The Tonsleys is a residential area with a village feel. It has cafes and shops. Wandsworth High Street is home to the Southside shopping centre. Behind the shopping centre is King George’s Park.
Wandsworth Town Library is located on Garratt Lane. It opened in 2009. It is located in the former court house.
All Saints’ Church is the original parish church. It dates back to the 13th century. St Anne’s and Holy Trinity churches were built later.
Wandsworth Prison, built in 1851, is a large men’s prison. It is one of the largest in Europe.
So, as you leave New Wandsworth, remember its long and varied past. From its river origins to its industrial boom and modern rebirth, Wandsworth has always been a place of change and resilience.