Once a small village with merely 14 houses during Henry VII’s time, Roehampton has transformed over the centuries. Today, we explore its fascinating history.
Roehampton’s name possibly comes from the many rooks still living here. Roehampton lies about 6.3 miles southwest of Charing Cross. It sits on high ground bordering Barnes, Putney, Richmond Park and Wimbledon Common.
Originally, Roehampton was dense forest and heath. The population grew as it became a popular summer retreat in the 18th and 19th centuries. This followed the opening of Putney Bridge in 1729.
Roehampton boasts several significant houses. Roehampton House was built between 1710 and 1712. Sir Edwin Lutyens enlarged it in 1910. It served as Queen Mary’s Hospital’s administrative center until 2008. Now, it is private flats.
Parkstead House was built in 1760. Lady Caroline Lamb, a socialite, once lived here. The Jesuits acquired it in 1861 and renamed it Manresa House. Poet Gerard Manley Hopkins resided here too. Today, Roehampton University owns Parkstead House.
Mount Clare was constructed in 1772. George Clive, a cousin of Lord Clive, lived here. Grove House was originally built for Sir Joshua Vanneck in 1777. Capability Brown is thought to have designed its grounds. Downshire House was built in 1770. The Marquess of Downshire once occupied it.
Templeton House is another notable mansion built in the 1780s. Lady Elizabeth Templetown was its first resident. Winston Churchill lived here from late 1919 to spring 1920. Some Downton Abbey scenes were filmed at Templeton House.
Roehampton became a separate parish in 1845. This was after Holy Trinity Church was built in 1842. The Society of Jesus founded St Joseph Church in 1869.
Maharajah Duleep Singh once lived in Ashburton House. Sir John Spencer Login and Lady Lena Login’s family lived there as well. Lady Login mentioned royal visits in her memoirs.
During World War I, a Royal Naval Air Service Kite Balloon Training School was based here. It was on land that is now part of the university and golf course.
Much of Roehampton’s old village character remains. Large detached houses dominate the area. An old watering trough for carriage-horses still exists at Medfield Street and Roehampton Lane.
The London County Council built the Roehampton Estate in the 1920s and 1930s. It later became the Dover House Estate. The Alton Estate was built in the 1950s. These estates covered many gardens and woodlands.
The Dover House Estate showcases picturesque housing influenced by the Arts and Crafts style. The Alton Estate features modernist architecture with both low and high-rise buildings. Alton West was considered a crowning achievement in post-World War II council housing.
Roehampton contains several conservation areas. These include the Alton and Dover House estates and central Roehampton Village. The King’s Head Inn and the Montague Arms are both of 17th-century origin.
Roehampton is home to several educational institutions. The University of Roehampton has many students. Queen Mary’s Hospital is a teaching center for medical students. Kingston University also has a campus here.
Other notable institutions include The Priory Clinic and the Bank of England Sports Centre. The International Tennis Federation and the Lawn Tennis Association are also based in Roehampton.
Roehampton has been depicted in fiction, film, and television. H. G. Wells’ novel The Sleeper Awakes features Roehampton. The Alton Estate was used in Fahrenheit 451 and Sweeney 2.
Roehampton’s journey from a small village to a vibrant suburb showcases its rich history. Its blend of historical houses, modern estates and educational institutions makes it a unique place. Roehampton’s story continues to evolve.