This neighbourhood is known as Colliers Wood and is in the southwest London Borough of Merton. The River Wandle runs through a large portion of the area, giving it a peaceful and countryside atmosphere. It is well connected to central London with tube stops and national rail stations, yet still has plenty of green spaces, in and surrounding the locality. It is a mostly residential area, however there is a busy high street near the tube station and a large shopping area. This neighbourhood provides some peace and quiet from the bustling life of central London, while still giving residents numerous entertainment and dining options.

Merton Priory was built in Colliers Wood in 1114 and was demolished in 1538, following King Henry VIII’s Dissolution of the Monasteries. While it was operating, the priory became an important centre of learning. Among those it educated, were Nicholas Breakspeare, who became Adrian IV, the first English Pope, Thomas Becket, who is most known for engaging in conflict with King Henry II over the rights and privileges of the Church and was later murdered for these beliefs, and Walter de Merton, who became Lord Chancellor, Bishop of Rochester, and founder of Merton College, Oxford. Remains of the priory can be seen at the Merton Priory Chapter House, but the majority of the old site is now occupied by a Sainsbury’s.

William Morris, an English textile designer, poet, novelist, translator, and activist, moved his dyeworks to Merton Abbey Mills in the 1800s.

Morris was a major contributor to the revival of traditional British textile arts and methods of production and is known as a leader in the Arts and Crafts Movement. Additionally, his literary contributions helped to establish the modern fantasy genre and he played a significant role in propagating the early socialist movement in Britain. His former factory is now home to a variety of shops, businesses, and a craft market.

Henry VI is the only English monarch of the past thousand years to be crowned outside of Westminster Abbey. He held his coronation at Merton Priory in 1437!

The pub opposite the Colliers Wood tube station is named after the architect who designed the station itself, Charles Holden.
High Street Colliers Wood used to form part of Stane Street, one of the Romans’ famously straight roads!

Theft is the highest reported crime in the area, however at a much lower rated than the rest of London. Some people complain about the traffic on the High Street and that the neighbourhood needs to be built up more. However, developments are ongoing, and this neighbourhood has one of the cheapest Council Tax rates in all of London.

A multi-storey car park in the area has been demolished and is currently awaiting development proposals. It has suggested by the council that in its place a tower building should be built, filled with residential units on the upper floors, and retail as well as office spaces be designated for its ground floor units. Just beside this site, a modern development by the name ‘Britannia Point’ was completed in 2017. It is also a mixed-use development with all residential units occupied, a testament to the area’s increasing attractiveness. A recently completed development is the refurbishment and redevelopment of Colliers Wood Tower, situated opposite of the tube station. As London keeps expanding and more people move out of the city centre, this neighbourhood is likely to see even more developments. An example of up-coming development in the area is Hadley Property Group’s proposal for 42 Station Road, which was granted development permission in late-2021. It will provide 116 new homes for Merton, with a minimum of 40% affordable housing. In addition, they will enhance the Wandle Trail with riverside seating and ensuring that designs are sustainable and prioritise ecology and the preservation of natural habitats.