COLLIERS WOOD (Northern Line - Morden*)

Merton Abbey Mills


A few minutes’ (horrid) walk from the Tube station brings you to the river Wandle (head for Sainsbury’s**) The surprisingly lush green pathway that runs alongside it is on the site of the old William Morris works where stained glass production, fabric weaving and printing were carried out. (There’s a plaque recording this). Where the river disappears under Merantum Way cross over and follow the sign to Merton Abbey Mills. This was where Arthur Liberty & Co. produced their famous ‘Liberty print’ textiles. The designs of both these firms have been influential in home furnishing design since the late nineteenth century.

Although there is no trace of the Morris factory, several of the original buildings and the waterwheel (restored) used by Liberty survive to be used for craft, antique and leisure activities

Archaeological evidence of Merton Priory ('Abbey' is a misnomer) exists here - the site was excavated by Channel 4’s Time Team in 2002.

It is possible to walk further along the Wandle to Morden Hall Park, the rural sounds from the Deen City Farm being occasionally counterbalanced by the noise of a high-speed tram on its way to Croydon. However, having crossed the tramlines at Phipps Bridge all is peaceful. Incidentally, the tramlines are completely ungated, like a country level crossing - so take special care if you have children with you.
MAP
*If you are travelling south outside peak hours you will have to change at Kennington to pick up a Morden train - usually a very quick and easy connection.

**still shown on some maps as Savacentre
© DR2006

This is just one walk from the many to be found at London Tube Rambles. There are architectural gems, beautiful country views, historic places and whacky buildings to be found, even in the most unpromising areas covered by the Greater London Underground stations. Usually the places listed are within a mile of the Tube - often only five minutes walk away. If you reached this as an individual page via a search engine, you might like to go to www.londontuberambles.co.uk to see the other destinations explored . You'll be amazed at what's out there!