The Picture Post Card Page - showing online only
Ever since picture postcards gained popularity in the early years of the 20th century they have recorded the history of the people and the locations in which they lived, and remain a fascinating insight into the lives of bygone times. Carshalton, Wallington and Beddington were no different, and a surprising number of images were sold, posted, and (hopefully happily!) received. The history of the postcard is ably recounted on the History of Postcards Website.
We have gathered together a modest collection that illustrates our local history. Whilst Carshalton dominates the page (because of it's greater number of historic views and attractions rather than any preference on our part), there are also postcards depicting Beddington and Wallington.
They are not presented in any particular order, and the newest additions will always appear at the top. You will be able to click/tap on most of them for a larger image to explore; we have applied a small watermark to these larger images to protect our enterprise from misuse rather than denote that we hold any form of copyright.
If we feel it is sufficiently interesting, we may occasionally slip in a pic that only 'might' be an image reproduced from a post card!
We hope you will enjoy the page below, and find the images as fascinating as we do. If you feel you may be able to add anything to the captions, then please do contact us.
We have gathered together a modest collection that illustrates our local history. Whilst Carshalton dominates the page (because of it's greater number of historic views and attractions rather than any preference on our part), there are also postcards depicting Beddington and Wallington.
They are not presented in any particular order, and the newest additions will always appear at the top. You will be able to click/tap on most of them for a larger image to explore; we have applied a small watermark to these larger images to protect our enterprise from misuse rather than denote that we hold any form of copyright.
If we feel it is sufficiently interesting, we may occasionally slip in a pic that only 'might' be an image reproduced from a post card!
We hope you will enjoy the page below, and find the images as fascinating as we do. If you feel you may be able to add anything to the captions, then please do contact us.
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Carshalton House in 1783Photographic Reproduction? - CN21
A great historic image that is only possibly from a postcard. The view across the lake shows Carshalton Water Tower in the background, and a very spritely dog romping across the foreground! The lake today is generally dry, but occasional extreme rainfall will see it come to life, as seen at the foot of our Archive page from February 2014.
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The image is a reproduction of an engraving entitled Carshalton House in Surrey, the Seat of Theodore Henry Broadhead Esq. It was one of 84 engravings in a series entitled Seats of The Nobility and Gentry by William Watts (1752-1851) which commenced publication in 1779.
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Carshalton Lavender Fields, A Lavender Growers Homestead
Postmarked 1908 - CN22
Looking from the west edge of the chalk escarpment down towards Park Hill, this image overlooks Park Hill Chalk Pit. The chalk face of the pit can be seen on the left.
Park Hill was previously named Park Hill Road as may be seen on the map depicted in the extensive details of the feature found from the link above. The building far right is Pit House which is still standing. The one on the skyline left is marked on the 1890s Ordnance Survey map as ‘Park Hill House’. The chalk pit is today occupied by Bankside Close, and the chalk face may still be seen. A portrait image of the reverse may be found here.
Park Hill was previously named Park Hill Road as may be seen on the map depicted in the extensive details of the feature found from the link above. The building far right is Pit House which is still standing. The one on the skyline left is marked on the 1890s Ordnance Survey map as ‘Park Hill House’. The chalk pit is today occupied by Bankside Close, and the chalk face may still be seen. A portrait image of the reverse may be found here.
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Butter Hill Bridge, Carshalton
Postmarked 1909 - CN17
A delightful image of a fisherman fishing the River Wandle by Butter Hill Bridge at its junction with Mill Lane. The Snuff Mill depicted has a fascinating history.
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The Greyhound Hotel Carshalton
Postmarked 1922 - CN15
A particularly fine view of The Greyhound Hotel, a Carshalton landmark first recorded in 1706. It seems to have been much more a sporting inn than a coaching one. In the early 18th century the horse race track ran across the Downs from Epsom to Carshalton. The London Papers carry adverts for cock fights at the Greyhound on race days. The weather-boarded section on the left is original, and is home to the Swan Bar. The part on the right, with its grand entrance, dates from c.1840.
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Carshalton, Hackbridge
Postmarked 1904 - BN05
With Beddington Park to the east and the ford immediately to the west this bridge, and originally known as the Hack Bridge from which the district takes its name, this was an important link along the north/south road-transport axis from London to Wallington and Carshalton. As with Carshalton, the river played a large part in the early development of the area. There is an extensive piece on the industrial history of Hackbridge to be found here.
The Hack was a long spit of gravel which separated the Carshalton and Beddington branches of the Wandle for some distance until they finally came together. The spit was probably removed in the mid-17th century when the mill above Hackbridge was adapted for making gunpowder. This is the iron bridge erected in the early 19th century and replaced in 1912.
The Hack was a long spit of gravel which separated the Carshalton and Beddington branches of the Wandle for some distance until they finally came together. The spit was probably removed in the mid-17th century when the mill above Hackbridge was adapted for making gunpowder. This is the iron bridge erected in the early 19th century and replaced in 1912.
The Wandle, CarshaltonPostmarked 1905 - CN19
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The Parish Church, Carshaltonc.1905 - CN20
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Both the above postcards seemingly come from the same series. 'The Wandle' Carshalton is an interesting title for the upper pond, and has some justification as well as being yet another description of the subject matter. There is an upturned image of the reverse here.
The exterior of Carshalton's parish church of All Saints features in many cards over time, depicting this well known view from Honeywood Walk across the pond.
The exterior of Carshalton's parish church of All Saints features in many cards over time, depicting this well known view from Honeywood Walk across the pond.
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The Parish Church, Carshalton
Before 1908 - CN18
A fascinating image of the high altar at All Saints church. We are able to date it to the period before 20 May 1908 when the reredos was installed and consecrated behind the altar. Also of interest is the organ, which is shown in its original 1893 position above the vestry to the side of the altar. Sir Ninian Comper's redesign of the church in 1932 brought about one of the finest features of the building when the organ was rebuilt and moved to the west end gallery and decorated with his outstanding design for the instrument's casework.
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Carshalton High Street
Postmarked 1906 - CN12
Note the policeman keeping an eye on the parking! The old police station was not far way, behind Honeywood on the corner of West Street and Pound Street. The type of traffic in the High Street would change dramatically over the next decade or so as motorised transport started making its mark. That said, so much in this scene is still instantly recognisable today.
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Carshalton Post OfficeCirca 1920 - CN16
A fine view of the old Post Office in Carshalton High Street. The building still stands, adjacent to the end of the Grotto Canal, and is today (October 2020) occupied by Akos Barbers. Opposite it was Peatling’s house, next to a cinema that would ultimately become the Charles Cryer Studio Theatre.
This is a photographic reproduction of an old Post Card. |
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The Terrace, Wallington
Postmarked 1920 - WN04
Looking up Manor Road towards Wallington, the Dukes Head and Wallington Green would have been over the photographer’s right shoulder. These fine Victorian buildings were built as Danbury Mews; and evidence of the entrance to their stables behind from the road can be seen between the two slightly larger gable ends. There is a detailed history from local historian Andrew Skelton on the Wallington Green & Holy Trinity Church page in our Local History archive.
Two nice ha’penny stamps make up the penny postage. A portrait version of the reverse may be found here.
Two nice ha’penny stamps make up the penny postage. A portrait version of the reverse may be found here.
Beeches Halt, CarshaltonPhotographic reproduction - CN11
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Motor Train at Beeches HaltPhotographic reproduction (1906-1910) - CN10
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Does anyone have an image of Beeches Halt with the station names in the frame? We'd love to hear from you if you are able to help us.
Looking from Park Hill towards Beeches Avenue you will see a small gate immediately adjacent to the left-hand parapet of the railway bridge. It opened onto the steps down to the platform for trains towards London that are shown in the second picture. The stink pipe in front of the right-hand parapet remains today. Beeches Halt was opened on 1 October 1906 and renamed Carshalton Beeches on 1 April 1925 when the line was electrified.
The engine, a Stroudley-designed A1-class 0-6-0 tank engine No. 655, was built for the London, Brighton & South Coast Railway and named Stepney, and one of a class of engine that gained the nickname ‘Terriers’. The disc on the funnel indicates that the train was from Sutton and destined for Victoria via West Croydon. Stepney still exists today having been preserved in 1960 by the Bluebell Railway in Sussex, their very first engine.
A motor train could be driven from either end, without having to turn the engine around. On the 1900s page in our Transport archive there is an image of a motor train leaving Beeches Halt in the direction of Wallington. The driver is seated at the front of the coach leading, in a specially adapted compartment with windows and controls enabling the engine to propel the train from behind.
Looking from Park Hill towards Beeches Avenue you will see a small gate immediately adjacent to the left-hand parapet of the railway bridge. It opened onto the steps down to the platform for trains towards London that are shown in the second picture. The stink pipe in front of the right-hand parapet remains today. Beeches Halt was opened on 1 October 1906 and renamed Carshalton Beeches on 1 April 1925 when the line was electrified.
The engine, a Stroudley-designed A1-class 0-6-0 tank engine No. 655, was built for the London, Brighton & South Coast Railway and named Stepney, and one of a class of engine that gained the nickname ‘Terriers’. The disc on the funnel indicates that the train was from Sutton and destined for Victoria via West Croydon. Stepney still exists today having been preserved in 1960 by the Bluebell Railway in Sussex, their very first engine.
A motor train could be driven from either end, without having to turn the engine around. On the 1900s page in our Transport archive there is an image of a motor train leaving Beeches Halt in the direction of Wallington. The driver is seated at the front of the coach leading, in a specially adapted compartment with windows and controls enabling the engine to propel the train from behind.
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Carshalton Water
Postmarked 1905 - CN09
We rather like the name Carshalton Water rather than the Carshalton Ponds used today! A nice image of two horses being ridden through the ford outside Honeywood. Note the spiked semi-circular railing jutting out over the water beside the water inlet than ran from Margaret’s Pool, under Honeywood, and into the pond. It is still there today. It was probably put in place to deter trespassers from Honeywood’s front garden by John Pattinson Kirk (the then-owner of Honeywood) after he’d bought the strip of land between the path and the pond in 1893.
All Saints, Carshalton’s parish church with its unusual spired tower, is instantly recognisable, as is The Greyhound Hotel to the right of it behind the tree. The buildings in the distance still exist today too, in the High Street. A portrait version of the reverse may be found here.
All Saints, Carshalton’s parish church with its unusual spired tower, is instantly recognisable, as is The Greyhound Hotel to the right of it behind the tree. The buildings in the distance still exist today too, in the High Street. A portrait version of the reverse may be found here.
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Christchurch, WallingtonUnsent, possibly early 1970s - WN03
Christchurch imposed itself magnificently on Wallington’s main crossroads at the bottom (or is it top?!) of the town for almost exactly a century. The church opened in 1888 and closed in 1987. It was demolished in 1992 and a Sainsbury’s supermarket moved from Beddington Gardens (now Lidl), where it had opened in the early 1960s, onto the site. The new store opened on 13 July 1999.
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The image possibly dates from 1970-1973 - the 157 bus is showing Morden Station as its destination; something that, at that time, it would only generally have shown on Sunday mornings (running to Raynes Park at all other times during, and immediately either side of, these years). Most of the once-ubiquitous black and white traffic light poles across the country were gone by the mid-1970s.
The earliest it might be would be 1966 - just visible in the extreme bottom right corner is the rear quarter of a Vauxhall Viva HB (produced between 1966 and 1970), and the bus may have been turned short of its normal destination for some reason.
The earliest it might be would be 1966 - just visible in the extreme bottom right corner is the rear quarter of a Vauxhall Viva HB (produced between 1966 and 1970), and the bus may have been turned short of its normal destination for some reason.
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The Park Gates, Carshalton
Postmarked 1908 - CN08
From Wikimedia, where there is an additional image: “These were once at the entrance to the park. They were made by the Sussex metalworker Thomas Robinson in 1711. Lead sculptures of Actaeon and Artemis were made by John van Nost the Elder, and the stone pillars were constructed by Catalini.”
The gates were removed in 1926, and shipped to Planting Fields on Long Island, New York. They were subsequently restored between 2003 and 2004. You can read more about their restoration here. They remain as a small piece of Carshalton’s history in the United States of America.
We have provided a cut-out of the pillar to show the detailed stonework a little more clearly. A portrait version of the reverse may be found here.
The gates were removed in 1926, and shipped to Planting Fields on Long Island, New York. They were subsequently restored between 2003 and 2004. You can read more about their restoration here. They remain as a small piece of Carshalton’s history in the United States of America.
We have provided a cut-out of the pillar to show the detailed stonework a little more clearly. A portrait version of the reverse may be found here.
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Carshalton Park GatesPostmarked 1905 - CN13
An almost full-on image of Carshalton Park Gates, which were, to say the least, quite spectacular.
Carshalton Park gates were situated on the west side of Park Lane. See the red arrow on the extract from the 1st edition six-inch Ordnance Survey map that was surveyed in the 1860s. A portrait version of the reverse may be found here. |
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Carshalton Lavender Fields
Postmark unknown - CN14
Does anyone have any thoughts as to where this might be? There are houses along what is probably a road in the top right corner.
Carshalton, like Wallington (and perhaps even more so), was renowned for its Lavender growing. It is still a feature of the area today. There is an upturned image of the reverse here.
Carshalton, like Wallington (and perhaps even more so), was renowned for its Lavender growing. It is still a feature of the area today. There is an upturned image of the reverse here.
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White Posts, BeddingtonUnsent, possibly early 1900s - BN01
White Posts was a Tea Room at the junction of Croydon Road and (leading off the the right) Guy Road. In its time it was a very popular venue for cyclists.
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Composite of images of Carshalton
Postmarked 1933 - CN07
One of a few 'real photograph' postcards we have from its time, with a glossy image. A portrait version of the reverse of this card may be found here.
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Children's Ward, Carshalton, Beddington & Wallington District (War Memorial) HospitalUnsent, possibly 1920s - CN02
The War Memorial Hospital in The Park, Carshalton opened in 1924 as a replacement of the Carshalton & District Cottage Hospital in Rochester Road which had opened in 1899. It was built with public funds resulting from an appeal for a larger hospital to be built as a memorial to those the local men who had died in WW1 - a detailed time-line may be found at Lost Hospitals of London
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Church of St. Cross, CarshaltonBetween 1913 and 1941 - CN05
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Between Carshalton’s Catholic church of St. Cross opening in 1913 and 1941 the parish was administered from St. Mary’s in Carshalton Road, Sutton. This card, intended as a Christmas Greeting, indicates Father Ernest Reginald Shebbeare as the ‘sender’. Father Shebbeare was, throughout this period, the curate at St. Mary's who dutifully served the parishioners of St. Cross.
Today the church is dedicated to the Holy Cross, and St. Mary’s to Our Lady of The Rosary.
Today the church is dedicated to the Holy Cross, and St. Mary’s to Our Lady of The Rosary.
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The Parish Church, Beddington
Postmarked 1908 - BN03
A lovely old view of the interior of St. Mary the Virgin in Beddington Park. The Post Office Regulation wording on the reverse marks the change made in 1902 from only being able to write your message on the front (referred to as the back as far as the Post Office was concerned!) of a postcard, hence the very many (including this one), that, in earlier years, had expansive white borders around the image, or had the image offset to one side.
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Grove Park, Carshalton
Postmarked 1949 - CN03
Two ladies admiring the water lilies whilst out for a stroll, perhaps in their Sunday best having attended a service at All Saints parish church. We wonder if that is a patient husband sitting on the bench in the background! A portrait version of the reverse side of this card may be found here.
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Footpath to Lavender Farms, Wallington
Stamped, but unposted - 1920s (?) - WN01
We are uncertain of the location of this image. What looks like sandy heathland suggests it may be the southern edge of Mitcham Common, south of Mitcham Junction station. The view would be looking east towards the sewage farm, with London Road behind the artist. Beverley Shew's book Times Remembered Times Past: a history of Beddington & Bandon says on p.160 that in 1935 part of the sewage farm was leased to Jakson & Co. who were lavender and herb growers. However, she says they grew peppermint on the site. If anyone reading this has any further thoughts we'd be delighted to hear from you?
The reverse is again interesting, in the description along the left-hand edge - 'The Sweet Lavender Country'!
The reverse is again interesting, in the description along the left-hand edge - 'The Sweet Lavender Country'!
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Lavender Fields, Wallington
Postmarked 1908 - WN02
The Lavender crop being harvested. Both Wallington and Carshalton had a thriving lavender trade, something that is reflected in the various Lavender sculptures to be found around Wallington (notably this one, on the corner of Woodcote Road and Stafford Road outside Sainsbury's supermarket). A portrait version of the reverse side of this card may be found here.
We are uncertain of the location of this image. First thought it might be Mayfield in Woodmansterne have been discounted by the rising topography in the distance. Woodmansterne would have been in Carshalton Urban District Council then and not Wallington. We'd be delighted to hear from anyone with any well-founded suggestions.
We are uncertain of the location of this image. First thought it might be Mayfield in Woodmansterne have been discounted by the rising topography in the distance. Woodmansterne would have been in Carshalton Urban District Council then and not Wallington. We'd be delighted to hear from anyone with any well-founded suggestions.
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The Beeches, Carshalton
Postmarked 1916 - CN06
A nice image of Beeches Avenue in its more rural days. We speculate that the sender might have lived in the old Engineer's House at Queen Mary's Hospital, Carshalton.
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Elephants in Carshalton's Upper Pond1900s - CN01
Elephants from a travelling circus refreshing themselves outside Honeywood - if this image was never made into a postcard it should have been!
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Beddington Park Surrey - A Snuggery
Postmarked 1904 - BN02
This cottage, The Lodge, and its fascinating chimney, still exists on the western-most boundary of Beddington Park, adjacent to London Road. Today it is named West Lodge.
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The Grove, Carshalton
Postmarked 1961 - CN04
We're not convinced about the title given on this postcard, but we like the decorative scalloped edges! Look out for the refection of the passing bus on the water, and the missing trellis-work on the bridge - the days before 'Health & Safety' perhaps!
Acknowledgements:
With grateful thanks to local historian John Phillips for sharing his huge knowledge of the area, and also to Sarah Price for her particular knowledge of Beddington.
With grateful thanks to local historian John Phillips for sharing his huge knowledge of the area, and also to Sarah Price for her particular knowledge of Beddington.
