mammoth and woolly rhinoceros who lived during the last Ice Age have been found in Wandsworth and Battersea. 20,000 years ago, Wandsworth looked like modern Siberia-pine and frozen soils.
changed dramatically with several ice ages and warmer periods in between. This is the time when the first people lived here. During the years, people lived as hunters, farmers, craftsmen and lived in communities. No written descriptions were left by them. Many prehistoric items show that people mainly lived near the river because of the constant need of water supply.
end of the first century. During the Romans' presence, large Romano-British communities produced most of London's food supplies. Though the only known and proven Roman settlement was in Putney, Roman remains were also found in Wandsworth and Battersea.
by Angles, Saxons and Jutes coming from northern Europe. Some Anglo-Saxon items were found around the place. Moreover, the Anglo-Saxon name for Wandsworth is “Waendelsorde”.
because of the growing influence of London. The Thames served as an important link with the capital and supported the traditional trades of fishing and ferrying. Later when London became crowded and extremely unhealthy, rich merchants and officials ran away to settle this region.
produced a red dye in the late 1500s when the village gave refuge to Protestant craftsmen fleeing religious persecution in Europe. What made Wandsworth famous were their bleaching, silk weaving, calico printing, hat and wig making.
rural villages until the beginning of 18th century. Since the construction of Putney bridge which connected more strongly the area with London, Wandsworth expanded. The first major buildings like churches and schools occurred.
are traditional since the 18th century. Held during the same time as the elections to Parliament, they were centred upon the Leather Bottle pub in Garratt Lane. The obligations of the chosen mayor included pronouncing comic speeches and looking eccentric.
1803 and it ran from Croydon to Wandsworth. Built to transport the products of the Wandle mills to Wandsworth, but unfortunately wasn't a financial success. Built to transport the products of the Wandle mills to Wandsworth, but unfortunately wasn't a financial success and was closed in 1846.
London and thousands of houses were built here. The suburbs grew as important and it became easier to travel to the city to work. This is the time when lots of hospitals, churches and libraries were built. In addition, fire and ambulance services were provided.
battalion of soldiers though the initial optimism that Germany will be defeated faded. Unfortunately, women took on the jobs of men who were missing during the war.
severe shortage of housing occurred. As a result, local councils were given government subsidy in order to expand the number of houses. So Wandsworth celebrated its 1,000th house in 1927. Moreover, many had bathrooms for the first time. What is more, in the post-war years people faced food and fuel shortages and unemployment, so they often entertained themselves by going to cinema and dance halls. This is also when the interest of fitness started.
Battersea Park helped a lot to the region. Moreover, in 1953 the country celebrated the coronation of Elizabeth II and many people attended local street parties or watched the great event on TV.
Pakistan and East Africa came here to form the rich cultural diversity of Wandsworth. The total population is 307,700 from which 53.3% White British 2.5% White Irish 15.5% Other White 1.5 % White & Black Caribbean 1.3 White & Asian 2.8% Indian 3.2% Pakistani 1.2% Chinese 4.8% Black African 4% Black Caribbean