Former cloth bleaching grounds near Phipps Bridge Road
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| Partial / Incomplete Date | June 1978 |
|---|---|
| Area | Merton |
| Copyright 1 | Ralph Holmes |
| Picture Reference | MerMor_OpenSpaces_Parks_6a-1 |
| Original Format | Photo |
| Notes / History | The Wandle valley has a long tradition of textile manufacturing throughout the ages and the River Wandle was a particularly attractive location as it was not only fast flowing, driving the waterwheels supplying power to the mills, but the water was clean, an important consideration. By the beginning of the 18th century calico became extremely popular. There were several calico printing mills in the area and the fields near the river were used for the laying out of the cloth for bleaching in the sun before printing. |
