The Willows, Willow Lane, Mitcham
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| Partial / Incomplete Date | c.1870 |
|---|---|
| Area | Mitcham |
| Copyright 1 | Presented by Mr Swain |
| Picture Reference | Mit_Buildings_45-1 |
| Original Format | Photo |
| Notes / History | "The Willows", South Mitcham, is thought to have been bullt circa 1746 for Thomas Selby junior, a calico bleacher. A Frenchman, Louis Dutriez, moved to Mitcham during the 1870's in order to start a market gardening business and his family occupied "The Willlows". He began cultivation of land between Mitcham Junction and the Wandle. His chief crop was watercress. Louis also ran a butchers' business in Mitcham High Street. In 1906, the estate passed to Gaston Dutriez, husband of Louis' granddaughter. Gaston extended the business to incorporate a pig farm, renowned for its modern methods. Two years after the death of his wife in 1930 Gaston retired and returned to France. |
