The Notebook of Violet Field, and Stanstead, Cheam Road

The Story of Stanstead – The Dunkin Family Today’s blog is a bit of a treat. Back in October 2022 the archive was contacted by a lady whose family heirlooms included a beautifully illustrated notebook previously owned by her Great, Great Grandmother, Emma Hunt. Emma was not Sutton born, but found herself working in service…

80 Year Remembrance

This week, we are reflecting on the 80-year anniversary of the Lancaster III bomber crash that happened 21 April 1944 in Lavender Vale, Wallington. After much deliberation, it has been decided that it was Numbers 51 and 53 that had to be rebuilt… With thanks to Chris Anderson and Andrew Skelton for bringing this event…

‘Walls have ears’… but can they speak?

Following the success of Andrew Skelton’s ‘Walls have Ears’ series, he has created a bonus third part on lost and hidden walls that cannot be seen today but have been previously photographed and/or documented. With extra special thanks to Skelton for this series, we hope you have enjoyed it! Bonus Part 3: Lost and Hidden…

Little Holland House and the Dickinsons

The next open day of Little Holland House will be the 7th April – get ready for your visit with this introduction to the man who made it, Frank R Dickinson, written by our Archives volunteer, Paulette. The 28th March commemorates the wedding anniversary of Frank R Dickinson and Florence Marriott, who married in 1904.…

‘Walls have ears’… but can they speak?

We are back with Andrew Skelton, local historian and archaeologist, who is continuing his journey from West to East across the London Borough of Sutton, spying remnants of historic boundaries and garden walls. Again, it may be easier to read this one on the blog site itself, as there are lots of images involved. With…

Routes through Sutton’s Past

It’s the final episode of Clive’s Local Bus Routes, focusing on Croydon Airport and the impact of the War on our little corner of the world. Extra special thanks to Clive for all his work putting this series together; we hope you have enjoyed it and we cannot wait to see what he comes up…

Routes through Sutton’s Past

Today, the Local Bus Routes are centred on Wallington – Shotfield, Woodcote Road, Stafford Road and Mellows Park – areas that many of our local readers are probably used to and perhaps visit daily. It is always interesting to head back in time and see how the land as we know it today has changed…

Routes through Sutton’s Past

Happy New Year everyone! It’s the first blog of 2024 and we are continuing on the history bus. You’ll need your creative brains on for this one as Clive Orton, accompanied by Andrew Skelton (local historian and archaeologist) describe Carshalton Grotto and Canal whilst travelling along from ‘The Windsor Castle’ to Wallington. Over to you…

Routes through Sutton’s Past

It’s been a short while since we were last on the bus but hopefully we have not left you stranded! So, for the first blog post of December, let’s wrap up warm and while away the hours on our historic bus route. Over to you, Clive… Part Four: From the Depot to The Windsor Castle…

The Bawtree Family

A short but sweet one for this Thursday evening which ties in nicely with our Sutton Historians talk tomorrow (24/11/23). Written by our search-room (and blog post!) regular, Ann Morton, it explores the Bawtree family. Ivan Bawtree was a 20th century photographer, as you will discover, and Sutton Archives proudly has some Bawtree photographs in…