This neighbourhood area sits today in a desirable location in south west London, bordered by the river Thames and neighbouring areas of Putney, Southfields and Fulham across the river. This bustling town centre is recognised by the London Plan as one of 35 key town centres in London, and much of the areas smaller retail stores and eateries are clustered around Wandsworth Town station, a national rail station served by South Western Trains towards central London and out towards outer south west London. Notable local landmarks include the river Wandle which feeds into the Thames, access to a pleasant riverside walk alongside Wandsworth Bridge, and the Wandsworth Council headquarters.

Wandsworth Town is actually part of one of the oldest villages in southwest London, as there is evidence of fishing settlement from 693. Throughout the middle ages farming remained the primary occupation of the area’s residents, but it was the opening of the first breweries in the 16th century that put Wandsworth on the map. Of particular significance is the Ram Inn, which began brewing its own beer in 1581. In the Victorian period the development of the railways saw Wandsworth flourish as a residence for those working in the city, and it was during this time that more housing, public buildings and parks were built. Today, Wandsworth is an up-and-coming area.

Wandsworth has a rather star-studded list of former residents, but one notable resident who lived on Bramford Road (nearby Wandsworth Town station) was former Prime Minister, Tony Blair. The former PM used to rent a flat here with his friend (and later Lord Chancellor) Charlie Falconer, when both were working as barristers in the 1970’s!

Wandsworth has seen many a famous face live or work in the area, but did you know that nearly all of the cast from the immensely popular 2003 film Love Actually were from Wandsworth? In fact, the final heartwarming scenes in the school were shot in nearby Putney’s Elliot school!

You may also be surprised to know that the Ram Brewery, which has been brewing beer since at least 1533, was taken over by Young’s, and despite closing in 2006, has retained a micro-brewery on-site. This in itself is interesting, but the longevity of its brewing function has made it Britain’s oldest working brewery.

Whilst this popular town centre is generally a very desirable place to live, it has been at the centre of debates about gentrification and the rapid house price rise in areas like Wandsworth has affected the affordability of housing for its residence. The rise of new ‘million pound postcodes’ has been noted in areas such as this, and some are worried this will make it harder to live in such areas.

There is evidence that the council are seeking to invest in public spaces and infrastructure to improve the quality of life of its residents, with one local Councillor Guy Senior commenting that ‘these schemes, which range from schools and homes to roads, libraries and parks will add real value to the borough and improve the daily lives of local people.’

One important set of new developments to have come to the Wandsworth Town area was the £185 million cash investment which aimed to benefit schools, housing, and the town centre from 2018 to 2021. This huge cash sum came as a result of council reinvestment of funds they received from the sale of council property, and financial contributions from developers in the area. The money was used to reinvigorate Wandsworth Town centre, with new recreational, entertainment and play spaces. A new library, which cost £3.5 million to establish, was also recently completed as part of the scheme. New homes have also been developed, with one scheme along the high street completing 200 residential units, with 50 affordable homes. It’s also not a bad thing at all that new pubs have opened in the area as a result of the council’s investment!