Clapham London

History & Heritage

History & Heritage in London, from the Clapham London editors

The Great Gentrification Debate: How Lavender Hill Transformed from Working Class to Wine BarsHistory & Heritage

The Great Gentrification Debate: How Lavender Hill Transformed from Working Class to Wine Bars

From traditional boozers to boutique bars, Lavender Hill's dramatic transformation tells the story of modern Clapham's evolution into south London's most coveted postcode.

18 March 2026·3 min read
The Lost Pubs of Clapham Junction: Tales from South London's Drinking PastHistory & Heritage

The Lost Pubs of Clapham Junction: Tales from South London's Drinking Past

From Victorian gin palaces to beloved locals, discover the fascinating stories of Clapham Junction's vanished watering holes that once defined our neighbourhood's social fabric.

18 March 2026·4 min read
The Blitz Spirit: How Clapham Common's Deep Shelter Saved Thousands During WWIIHistory & Heritage

The Blitz Spirit: How Clapham Common's Deep Shelter Saved Thousands During WWII

Discover the incredible wartime story of Clapham Common's underground deep shelter that protected 8,000 locals during the Blitz, now offering fascinating guided tours beneath our beloved green space.

12 March 2026·4 min read
The Great Storm of 1987: How Clapham Common Lost and Regained Its Tree CanopyHistory & Heritage

The Great Storm of 1987: How Clapham Common Lost and Regained Its Tree Canopy

Thirty-seven years on from the night that changed Clapham's landscape forever, we explore how our beloved Common bounced back from nature's most dramatic makeover.

8 March 2026·4 min read
Battersea's Industrial Heritage: From Power Station to Creative QuarterHistory & Heritage

Battersea's Industrial Heritage: From Power Station to Creative Quarter

Discover how our neighbour Battersea has transformed from industrial powerhouse to cultural playground, just a riverside stroll from Clapham's doorstep.

27 February 2026·3 min read
The Secret History of Clapham Old Town: Victorian Villas and Literary LegendsHistory & Heritage

The Secret History of Clapham Old Town: Victorian Villas and Literary Legends

Discover the hidden stories behind Clapham Old Town's grand Victorian architecture and the famous writers who once called this corner of south London home.

23 February 2026·4 min read
The Clapham Sect: How Religious Reformers Shaped Our Neighbourhood's IdentityHistory & Heritage

The Clapham Sect: How Religious Reformers Shaped Our Neighbourhood's Identity

Discover how a group of 18th-century evangelical reformers transformed Clapham into a powerhouse of social change, leaving a legacy that still defines our vibrant community today.

22 February 2026·4 min read
The Windmill on the Common: 200 Years of Clapham's Most Photographed LandmarkHistory & Heritage

The Windmill on the Common: 200 Years of Clapham's Most Photographed Landmark

From flour mill to Instagram hotspot, Clapham Common's iconic windmill has been the beating heart of our vibrant village community for two centuries.

19 February 2026·4 min read