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History of Battersea
Before the industrial revolution, much of the area was farmland, providing food for London with specialities such as growing lavender on Lavender Hill or pig breeding on Pig Hill.
Industry in the area was concentrated to the north west just outside the Battersea-Wandsworth boundary, at the confluence of the River Thames, and the River Wandle which gave rise to the village of Wandsworth. This was settled from the 16th century by Protestant craftsmen - Huguenots - fleeing religious persecution in Europe, who established a range of industries such as mills, breweries and dying, bleaching and calico printing. Bridges erected across the Thames encouraged growth; Putney Bridge was built in 1729 and Battersea Bridge in 1771.
Along the Thames, a number of large firms grew notably the Morgan Crucible Company, which survives to this day and is listed on the London Stock Exchange.
In 1929, construction started on Battersea Power Station, completed in 1939. From the late 18th century to comparatively recent times, Battersea, and certainly north Battersea, was established as an industrial area, with all of the issues associated with pollution and poor housing affecting it.
Industry declined and moved away from the area in the 1970s, and local government sought to address chronic post-war housing problems with large scale clearances and the establishment of planned housing. More recently, residential overspill from fashionable Chelsea, the area to the north across the Thames, has changed the character of much of Battersea. Factories have been demolished and replaced with apartment buildings. Many of the council owned properties have been sold off and many traditional working men's pubs have become more fashionable bistros, although much local authority housing and land in industrial use still remains. This area is growing in popularity with a good choice of properties from ex-council flats to Victorian terraces or new build luxury flats, many along the riverside. There is an increasing good choice of bars, restaurants and quality food shops making it a very attractive area to live in while still being close to Central London.
Places of interest – Visit This is London for more information
• Battersea Power Station • Battersea Dogs and cats Home • Battersea Park • New Covent Garden Market • Royal Academy of Dance
Transport Links – Visit Transport for London for more information
Battersea Park – Rail
Clapham Junction – Rail
Queenstown Road – Rail
Wandsworth Road – Rail
Local Authority
Wandsworth – http://www.wandsworth.gov.uk/
Lambeth – http://www.lambeth.gov.uk/
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