Spanning several wards, Lambeth Borough is made up of vibrant south west London districts including Clapham, Brixton and Streatham.
Pre-1900
Historically an area of woodland and villages to the south and marshland to the north, house building in Lambeth dates back to the mid-18th century with London’s affluent establishing country retreats with extensive grounds on the fringes South West London’s commons.
The opening of Westminster Bridge in 1750 marked the beginning of urban development south of the river Thames, with major thoroughfares to Brixton and Clapham lined with handsome Georgian villas and townhouses.
The catalyst for urban planning in Clapham arrived with the advent of the railways in the mid-1800s. Shorter journey times opened up this new area of south London to the masses and Clapham became a popular destination for day trips as well as an emerging middle-class suburb.
Following significant population growth between 1850 and the early 1900s, demand for suburban housing grew and Clapham enjoyed a busy period of house building which included grand single occupancy homes and traditional Victorian terraced housing.
Affluent middle-class families in particular favoured this leafy part of London, which offered respite from the noise and pollution of inner city living, while providing short commuting times to the West End and the City.
In a period of less than thirty years Clapham became a thriving London suburb while neighbouring Streatham developed as a location for entertainment and nicknamed as "the West End of South London”.
After World War II many of the larger houses in Clapham, much like in the neighbouring ward of Brixton, were split into flats. With many properties falling into disrepair, it wasn’t until the late 20th century that these south London areas would once again fall into favour.
21st Century
In more recent times Wandsworth’s appeal has soared making it one of London's more popular boroughs. Families moving in from central London are typically attracted by the excellent housing stock, open spaces and schools.
Clapham has seen real transformation with the Old Town Regeneration Project taking place in 2013. Greater pedestrian access, more greenery and the re-siting of the famous old bus garage has really changed the feel of an already very charming spot.
Upmarket independent shops have located in the area, along with renowned restaurants, countless bars and cafes; giving Clapham a village-like atmosphere.