Overview
Battersea is a burgeoning neighbourhood situated in the borough of Wandsworth in south-west London. It was, until recently, very much under the radar as a forgotten enclave on the ‘wrong’ side of the river.
Humble Beginnings
Battersea was originally a farming hotspot providing food for those working in the square mile. Its staples included bunches of asparagus dubbed ‘Battersea Bundles’ and clumps of lavender grown on the aptly-named Lavender Hill. At the end of the 18th century, around 300 acres were occupied by 20 trading farmers, making it the largest agricultural hub in the capital. This was an enticing proposition for manor owners, who duly settled in nearby villages like Earlsfield.
Industrial Revolution
The Industrial Revolution transformed the place beyond all recognition. Quaint mills were replaced by imposing factories whilst the serene farmland became the foundation for working-class housing. The manufactural activity was concentrated on the banks of the Thames, which supplied water for steam engines and other hydro-intensive machinery. The construction of Putney Bridge and Battersea Bridge allowed vehicles to cross the waterway. Carton’s Glucose Factory, Morgan’s Crucible Company and Price’s Candle Works were amongst the most prominent firms to emerge during this period.
Green Space
The opening of Battersea Park in 1858 offset the industrial onslaught, providing some much-needed greenery. This 200-acre space encompasses reclaimed Thames marshland and former market gardens. It boasts a nature reserve, boating lake, riverside promenade and Victorian-era bandstand, along with several sports facilities.
All Aboard
Battersea’s accessibility was boosted courtesy of the railways. The London And Southampton railway company built their line right across the face of the neighbourhood, initially to Nine Elms and then to Waterloo. The trend continued with five more lines, laying the groundwork for what promised to be a colossal junction. This interchange began operations in1863 under the deceptive name of Clapham Junction. It is Europe’s busiest railway station in terms of train passages, with over 2000 stopping or through services per day.
Brick By Brick
Battersea Power Station opened in 1939 as a coal-fired, four-chimney plant and became arguably the most iconic landmark in the area. This Art Deco structure was listed Grade II upon being decommissioned and has hence been preserved within a state-of-the-art redevelopment by a Malaysian consortium. To this day, it remains one of the biggest brick buildings on the continent.
Words by Satch Chendriah
Photo by Ajeet Panesar
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