Introduction
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 market specialised in selling asparagus spears labelled as ‘Battersea Bundles’, growing lavender on Lavender Hill and breeding pigs on Pig Hill. By the end of the 18th century, over 300 acres were occupied by around 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. Battersea seemed destined for a salubrious future until the Industrial Revolution transformed the place beyond recognition.
Industrial Revolution
Quaint riverside mills succumbed to breweries, factories and gas works whilst the serene farmland vanished under housing estates for the labourers. The manufactural activity was concentrated at the confluence 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. This coincided with the emergence of several wharfside firms such as Carton’s Glucose Factory, Morgan’s Crucible Company and Price’s Candle Works.
All Aboard
The arrival of the railways further boosted Battersea’s accessibility. The London and Southampton railway company built their line right across the face of the neighbourhood, terminating at the original Nine Elms station. This halt was rendered obsolete by the extension to Waterloo, but railway development continued with five more lines, laying the groundwork for what promised to be a colossal junction. This interchange eventually began operations in 1863 under the deceptive name of Clapham Junction. It is now Europe’s busiest railway station in terms of train passages.
Brick By Brick
Battersea Power Station, a four-chimney, coal-fired plant, opened in 1939 and became arguably the most iconic landmark in the area. It was granted Grade II-listed status upon being decommissioned and has hence been preserved as part of 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