Summerstown, London facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Summerstown |
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 Summerstown
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| London borough | |
| Ceremonial county | Greater London |
| Region | |
| Country | England |
| Sovereign state | United Kingdom |
| Post town | LONDON |
| Postcode district | SW17 |
| Dialling code | 020 |
| Police | Metropolitan |
| Fire | London |
| Ambulance | London |
| EU Parliament | London |
| London Assembly |
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Summerstown is a neighborhood in southwest London. It sits right on the border between two areas called the London Borough of Wandsworth and the London Borough of Merton. You can find it on the northeast side of Wimbledon. It's also south of Earlsfield, west of Tooting, and north of Collier's Wood. A main road, the A217, cuts through the middle of Summerstown. The River Wandle also runs along its edge.
Summerstown's Past: A Look Back in Time
Early Days and River Mills
People first started living in the Summerstown area a very long time ago, during the late Middle Ages. The River Wandle was important back then. It had many mills along its banks. These mills were powered by the river and used by people from a nearby small village called Garratt. This village gave its name to 'Garratt Lane', which is part of the A217 today.
By 1631, records show that people from the Netherlands were making kettles and frying pans here. Other refugees, called Huguenots, also came to the area. They are thought to have worked on silk weaving and making wigs.
Growing Community in the 1800s
By the mid-1800s, more and more people were moving to Summerstown. Many of the buildings you see today were built around this time. For example, the St Clement Danes almshouses were built in 1848–49. These buildings now serve as council housing.
The 1800s also saw the building of Summerstown's main church. A small chapel was first built in 1836. It was made bigger in 1861 and again in 1870. By 1903, it was clear an even larger church was needed. So, the current St Mary's Church was built. It stands just off Garratt Lane and looks much the same today.
Summerstown During World Wars
The early 1900s were a tough time for the area. During the First World War, 182 men from Summerstown lost their lives. A special war memorial was placed inside St Mary's Church to remember them.
Summerstown was also affected by bombing in the Second World War. This was especially true in 1944. A V2 rocket hit Hazelhurst Road. This sad event caused 35 deaths and injured over a hundred people. After the war, the local council used this chance to build new homes. The Hazelhurst estate was built between 1969 and 1973.
Famous Residents: Marc Bolan's Time in Summerstown
Between 1961 and 1968, the famous musician Marc Bolan lived in Summerstown. He was known as Marc Feld back then. His family lived here, and he went to Hillcroft School. This school is now called Ernest Bevin Academy. He also worked part-time washing dishes at a local Wimpy burger place in Tooting.
His time in Summerstown was challenging but helped shape him. Marc Feld often played music on the street outside the old Prince of Wales pub. This building is now a Tesco Express store. In 2021, there were plans to put up a special plaque. This plaque would remember Marc Bolan's time living in Summerstown.
Summerstown Today: Community and Local Life
St Mary's Church: A Welcoming Place
The main church, St Mary's Church, is still open and active today. It holds a service every Sunday morning at 10:30. These services include singing, prayers, and talks from the Bible. There are also fun activities for children.
Summerstown 182: Exploring Local History
A community group called Summerstown 182 works to find and share local history. Geoff Simmons started this project. The group has put up plaques to honor many people who used to live in the area. These include Sidney Lewis, Sadie Crawford, and Peter Barr. In 2015, Sadiq Khan named Summerstown 182 one of his Community Heroes.
Local Businesses and Landmarks
Summerstown is home to the By The Horns Brewing Co.. This brewery is located almost exactly where Marc Bolan used to live. The brewers even named one of their beers "Cosmic Warrior" after the late singer.
The area also used to have Wimbledon Stadium. This was a place for dog racing and other events like speedway and stock car racing. It closed in 2017. A new stadium, the Plough Lane Stadium, was built in its place. This is now the home of AFC Wimbledon football club. It opened in November 2020.
