Imagine stepping off the train in 1846. That is when New Malden began its journey. The railway’s arrival at what is now New Malden station sparked the town’s creation.
Before 1846, this area was mostly farms. Fewer than a thousand people lived here. Norbiton Common separated it from Kingston. The railway changed everything. The station opened on December 1, 1846. It connected New Malden to London Waterloo.
Slowly, buildings began to appear. Houses sprang up north of the station. By the late 19th and early 20th centuries, two and three-bedroom terraced houses became common. Further out, towards Coombe Hill, larger detached houses emerged in the 1930s. Traps Lane, leading to Coombe, got its name from a farm owned by a Mrs. Trap.
New Malden grew, eventually becoming an urban district in 1894. In 1936, it achieved Borough status, gaining its own Mayor. New Malden even had a civic mace bearing King Edward VIII’s royal insignia.
The Second World War brought hardship to New Malden. German bombs struck the area. The first attack on August 16, 1940, killed about 50 people. Around 1,300 homes suffered damage. German aircraft machine-gunned passengers at the railway station. Unexploded bombs are still occasionally found.
Today, New Malden is a vibrant suburban area. It has a unique character. New Malden is known for its large Korean community. It is the most concentrated Korean population in Europe. Some call it “Korea Town” or “Little Korea”.
Around 20,000 Koreans live in and around New Malden. This includes about 600 North Koreans. New Malden has Korean churches, schools, restaurants, and shops. Korean is visible on shop signs. The original South Korean Embassy was even here.
Why did so many Koreans choose New Malden? Some say it started in the 1970s. The South Korean ambassador lived nearby. Others point to a 1950s partnership between a Korean company and Racal Avionics. Samsung Electronics had UK offices in New Malden until 2005.
New Malden also has a significant Tamil community from Sri Lanka. In 2016, New Malden twinned with Jaffna, Sri Lanka.
The A3 trunk road runs through New Malden. Beverley Brook flows through the east. The Hogsmill forms the western boundary. Interestingly, the first parking meters were made right here in New Malden.
As you explore New Malden, you will find a blend of cultures. It is a place with a rich history and a diverse community. From its railway beginnings to its Korean influence, New Malden offers a unique glimpse into London’s suburbs. Take a stroll, try some bulgogi, and experience the charm of this special town.