A Willow on Mitcham Common

A Willow on Mitcham Common

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Area Mitcham
Copyright 1 London Borough of Merton
Picture Reference Mit_​TomFrancis_​Ln254
Original Format Photo
Photographer / Origin of Photo Tom Francis
Notes / History Mitcham was renowned for its fine willow trees, which were used to make cricket bats and basketry.

Local shopkeeper and photographer, Tom Francis, described how washerwomen living around Cricket Green and Mitcham Common often used willow bows to secure their laundry. Where a prop had been fixed into the soil, it occasionally took root and grew into a fair sized tree.

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