Down In South London

I'm a hardcore North Londoner, not because I was born in North London. It's just that I've spent most of my life north of the river, birth, school, and higher education. Plus, I have no real reason to go south, either.

There's a distinctive north /South Divide in London, though. It's more mental, but the River Thames causes a physical divide.

History plays a big part in the divide, too. When the Romans came to London, or Londinium as they called it, they decided to settle north of the River near Walbrook River. Today, it's near Cannon Street Station/Bloomberg London HQ.

Trade and Business flourished in the City of London as the Romans expanded their community and influence. The City of London continues to be a vital part of 21st Century London.

South London

South London is BIG. It has a lot of space. I was invited by a friend to go to meet in Balham, which is an affluent area with trendy boutiques and eateries galore. We walked down to Tooting. Before I tell you about Tooting, let me tell you about Balham.

Balham

The settlement appears in the Doomsday Belgeham. Bal refers to a 'rounded enclosure' and ham to a homestead, village or river enclosure. The Balham area has been settled since Saxon times. Balham Hill and Balham High Road follow the Roman Road Stane Street line to Chichester. Balham is recorded in several maps in the 1600s as Ballam Balham Hill or Balham Manor.

Tooting

Tooting has been around since pre-Saxon times. The Romans built a road connecting Londonium to Chichester, which passed through Tooting, and today, Tooting High Street is built on this road. Tooting also appears in the Doomsday Book as Totinges.

Like many areas in South London, Tooting developed mainly during the late Victorian period during the 1920s and 1930s.

Today, Tooting is home to many people from different and diverse backgrounds. Many came from other parts of Asia and the Caribbean and settled there.

Tooting Market

I took Snoopy inside Tooting Market. There are two markets with a wide variety of fruit, vegetables, household products and plenty of eating places. The fishmonger told me I should visit in the evenings because it's thriving with diners.

The market is the smaller of the two; the other, The Broadway Market, is one of the largest of London's indoor markets, having more than ninety stalls, and has been active since 1936. Both markets have been under threat of demolition to make way for Crossrail 2 Project. It threatened the livelihood of 100 stall owners.

I noticed fancy apartments going up and gentrification slowly creeping in. No decision on the markets has been made yet, but it would be a big shame if they were to be demolished. It would change the character and community forever.

I have no issues with the area improving for both commercial and residential use, but I find it difficult to stomach when locals are fighting for survival. The locals have as much to live, work and play where they have spent their lives and want to stay in the area.

Parting Comments

I enjoyed my trip down to South London and appreciated the different vibe. I saw the various communities living together and making a difference in the world they live in. Balham was trendy and had bouji-style cafes and restaurants.

Tooting was different with its multicultural energy. I saw a variety of shops catering to other communities, which is what Tooting is today. However, I noticed the gentrification gradually creeping along the main road, which is probably a matter of time before the community changes again.

That’s the beauty of London - it’s constantly evolving, no matter how subtle the change may be.

Thank you for your attention

Best wishes

Tabby