Wandle Valley
The Wandle River is a perennial tributary of the Thames running from Waddon Pools near Croydon, to Wandsworth, in west London.
In Roman times there was an extensive bath complex making use of this natural gift. From 1117 to 1538 Merton Priory was established at its neck, where the Roman road from London to Chichester crosses the river. The Wandle was famous for its trout.
Using water power, the region emerged as an early a early corridor of industry. The Surrey Iron Railway of 1803 was London’s first, and became the world’s first public railway in 1804.
Currently the valley is home to about one million people.
London is a growing city and faces a long term, strategic need for more homes and places of work.
Precedents and case studies
Wandle Valley:
