“Eastfields Corner” sparks curiosity doesn’t it? Eastfield Road Gardens holds more history than meets the eye. This area in Mitcham has transformed over the decades. Let’s explore its past.
Once part of Tamworth Lane, Eastfield Road was divided by the railway in 1868. Imagine the clatter of trains shaping the landscape. In 1914, residents lived in cottages with names like Martin’s Cottage and Rosemary Villas. These names evoke a sense of rural charm long gone.
By 1925, the street directory listed various residents and their occupations. Richard C. Toogood was a shopkeeper. Henry Woods was a pig dealer. These details paint a vivid picture of the community.
The road was renumbered in 1929 and 1930. Houses received numbers instead of names. This change marked a shift towards modernization.
Numbers 13, 15, 17, and 19 became known as “Eastfields Corner”. Renshaw’s marzipan factory owned these houses. They rented them to their staff. Imagine living in a house owned by a marzipan factory.
Number 21 had an interesting history. After WW2, John Jayson ran a grocer’s shop there. His original shop was bombed. Later, it became a newsagents, confectioners and tobacconist in 1957. From 1959 to 1989, it was Rogers Estate Agents. In 2014, the building was redeveloped into flats. The flats are now numbered 1 to 21 with the address 21 Eastfields Road.
Number 39 has its own story. The original house was damaged in WW2. A new house was built around 2009/10. It matched the frontage of the other houses. This preserved the street’s character.
At number 71, W. Steptowe & Sons repaired boots and shoes. This small business added to the local flavor.
In 1930, lightning struck the house of Mr. and Mrs. Albert Excell. Plaster fell from the ceiling onto their bed. Luckily, they had just left the room.
Newsagents T.G. Cooper at 96 Eastfield Road stocked a newspaper of the British Union of Fascists. This detail offers a glimpse into the political climate of the time.
Today, Eastfield Road Gardens offers a green space amidst the urban environment. It’s a place to relax and reflect on the area’s rich history. From cottages to shops to flats, Eastfield Road has seen many changes. It continues to evolve while retaining its unique character.