Clapham

The Town

If your property search takes you to south-west London, Clapham is well worth considering. Some parts of the area also extend into Wandsworth, the next borough, with Clapham Common itself falling into this category.

Recoco buying agents will help you explore the mixed housing of modern Clapham, from the classic Georgian, Regency and Queen Anne homes, to the sturdy Victorian housing around Abbeville. There are also several estates built in the 1930s and 1960s.

The area is extremely popular with commuters. Recoco buying agents can help you explore this very affluent suburb with a mix of residents from many different backgrounds and a relatively young demographic.

The History

In Roman times, what is now Clapham High Street joined up with Stane Street, the Chichester to London military road. You can still see the Roman stone, erected by one Vitus Ticinius Ascanius, apparently, in front of the old Clapham Library in the Old Town.

In 965, King Edgar granted land at Clapham to Jonas, a son of the Duke of Lorraine, who became known as Jonas de Clapham. Just a century later, the family made a tactical error when they decided to side against William the Conqueror, and after 1066 the family ended up in the north of England, particularly Yorkshire.

In the late 17th century large country houses began to be built in the area and in the next two centuries it became a favourite residential area for the more well-to-do City of London merchants and their families.

Once the railways arrived, commuters began to see Clapham as a very convenient location for central London, and by the middle of the 20th century, many of the grander houses had gone. That’s not to say all of them have vanished, however: Recoco buying agents can still point you towards stunning houses from the late 18th and early 19th century near the Common and the Old Town.  

Transport

Clapham transport links are excellent. There are two stations on the London Overground East London Line, Clapham High Street and Clapham North. The line was extended in 2012 to the Clapham High Street and to Wandsworth Road stations. Three Underground stations are on the Northern Line: Clapham North, Clapham Common and Clapham South. 

Train services also run from the area to London Victoria and Waterloo.

Leisure and Events

Clapham is a very popular area with creatives from all backgrounds, so ask your Recoco property finder where best to find details of events, whether you enjoy taking part or simply being part of the audience.

Recoco property finders can help you track down art trails, open mic nights, comedy carnivals, drama performances, retro games rooms, nightclubs specialising in nostalgia, and film clubs. Seasonal events include carol singalong concerts in the Christmas season.

There are numerous high street and independent stores, and the pop-up market every Saturday allows property buyers to indulge in baked goods, cheese, chocolate brownies, fish, vegetables and more. The huge green reaches of Clapham Common, at the heart of the area, are known as a popular place to enjoy a champagne picnic or two in the summer.

Education

Schools in the area have a good reputation, with some falling into the “excellent” category. Several schools are over-subscribed, and there is a good mix of well-regarded state schools and independents. There are some Church schools and some bilingual instutions, each with their own educational culture, so you should be able to find the right “fit” for your child’s needs. 

Celebrity Connections

Until his death in 1703, Samuel Pepys lived with a friend in Clapham. In the late 1700s and into the 1800s, the area was popular with social reformers including William Wilberforce and other leading figures in the campaigns to end slavery and child labour.

Property buyers who have included Clapham in their property search may also enjoy the area’s associations with writer Kingsley Amis, actresses Leslie Ash, Lena Headey and Miriam Margoyles, Corin and Vanessa Redgrave, comedian Jo Brand, chef Ainsley Harriott, designer Vivienne Westwood, journalist Polly Toynbee, and Sarah Ferguson.

Foodies’ Corner

Recoco property finders can help property buyers locate several hidden gems in Clapham, including the Michelin starred Trinity, serving the best of British in a refined setting. If you like a less formal break from your property search, why not enjoy a mid-morning brunch of mashed avocado on toast at several local eateries. Clapham is packed with small intimate bistros, Australian, Italian, Japanese and Peruvian restaurants. There are also plenty of gastropubs, wine and cocktail bars.

Fun Fact

Clapham Junction station is actually in Battersea.