Description
Clapham comprises several distinct districts; the Common, North, South, Clapham Junction and Old Town. Each of these has its own character. For example, the Common, surrounded by grand villas, is 220 acres of green open space. while Clapham Junction is a busy shopping hub. There are trendy cafes and bars for the young professionals who congregate on weekend nights and the families enjoying Sunday brunch.
History
The Roman road to Chichester ran through what is now Clapham. In 965 the land was granted by the king to the Clapham family who owned it until the Norman conquest. In the 1086 Domesday Book, it is recorded as 'Clopeham'. It remained rural with large country houses being built in the 17th century. Samuel Pepys lived the last two years of his life there until 1703. Smaller houses for working people developed with the coming of the railway in Victorian times and Clapham became known as the epitome of 'ordinariness' as shown in the phrase 'the man on the Clapham omnibus'. With numerous rail and underground stations, Clapham became a commuter suburb for central London and attracted more affluent families.
Leisure & Amenities
Places to go and things to do:
- Venn Street Market
- Clapham Grand
- Clapham Picturehouse
Active Life:
- Clapham Common
- Canoeing - Clapham Leisure Centre
Eating and drinking ideas:
- Bread and Roses pub
- Trinity restaurant
- The Dairy restaurant
- Abbeville Kitchen
Transport
Stations:
- Clapham Junction for London Overground, Southern, and South West trains
- Clapham High Street for London Overground & short walk to Clapham North
London Underground:
- Clapham Common for Northern line
- Clapham North for Northern line
- Clapham South for Northern line
- Numerous bus routes going north to central London and elsewhere in south London.
Education
- Numerous independent and state schools.