Mitcham History

MITCHAM, a parish and post town in the second division of the hundred of Wallington, county Surrey, 4 miles N. W. of Croydon, and 9 S.W. of Westminster Bridge. It is a station on the Wimbledon and Croydon branch of the London and South-Western railway. The village, which is extensive, is situated on the road to Reigate, and on the river Wandle, celebrated for its trout.

The greater portion of the land is laid out in vast plantations of camomile, liquorice, peppermint, lavender, and herb gardens, which supply the London market. It is also distinguished for its production of elms of stately growth, and a large quantity of roses are grown, which are used for Rowland's kalydor. A small common, at the entrance into the village from London, still retains the name of Figge's Marsh, having been the property of Sir Edward Figge.

The parish is divided into Upper Mitcham, formerly called Witford, or Waterford, and Lower Mitcham, anciently Michelham. Many of the inhabitants are employed in the corn and tobacco mills, and some in calico-printing and in the bleaching-grounds. There are several stately old houses, with spacious walled gardens and pleasure-grounds. There are gas-works; also a police station of the 'P' division of metropolitan police. The air is remarkable for its salubrity, and so mild that it has been described as the Montpelier of England. The soil is a rich loam lying upon a substratum of gravel of great depth.

The living is a vicarage* in the diocese of Winchester, value £456. The church, dedicated to SS. Peter and Paul, is a modern structure, having been rebuilt in 1822, with the exception of the square embattled tower, which is ancient and contains a peal of eight bells. The interior of the church contains tombs of Alderman Cowley and Mrs. Hallam, the actress. The register dates from 1558. The parochial charities produce about £173, of which £63 goes to the Sunday-school. The Miss Tate's almshouses, erected and endowed in 1829 for twelve females upwards of fifty-five years old, are situated on Lower Mitcham Green.

There are National, infant, and Sunday schools. The Independents and Wesleyans have each a place of worship. Archbishop Cranmer, Sir Julius Ceasar, Sir Walter Raleigh, Dr. Donne, and Moses Mendez were residents of this parish. Mitcham Grove was presented by Lord Clive to his counsel Wedderburn.

[Description(s) from The National Gazetteer of Great Britain and Ireland (1868)
Transcribed by Colin Hinson ©2003] These pages are intended for personal use only, so please respect the conditions of use.