Category Archives: Buildings

1885 Mitcham Police Station Opens

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3rd January 1885

The New Police Station.

This establishment was opened on New Year’s Day for the occupation of the inspectors, sergeants, and the single members of the Mitcham police force; as well as for the safe custody of any prisoners whose unfortunate lot it may be to be conveyed thereto. The police station stands on the site of the ancient dilapidated building formerly used for the transaction of police business at Mitcham. It has a neat and modest appearance, and is built of red brick, with stone facings. The entrance door is made of oak, which is reached by small flight of stone steps. On entering a well fitted and arranged office for the inspector is situated on the left, while to the right is the waiting room. To the front of these two rooms is the charge room, and in close proximity to this are the cells, well ventilated, and fitted up with all the latest improvements and conveniences allowed prisoners.

On the first floor in the front of the building of quarters for one married Sergeant, who will, as a matter of course, live on the premises with his wife and family. The quarters consist of two commodious bedrooms, kitchen with cooking range, and other useful appliances, pantry, and wash house with plate racks, shelves, sinks, with water connection. Every regard to comfort and health seems to have been paid and construction of these rooms.

At the rear of the building is the section house on the ground floor for the accommodation of six single constables who will in future live and sleep on the premises instead of lodging different parts of the parish as heretofore. The section house comprises a day-room with library, clothes-room, boot cleaning room with a small locker for each man’s brushes. The dormitory contains six bedrooms, fitted up with hot and cold water baths, is in the top storey of this portion of the building which forms one of the most complete, comfortable, and well arranged police stations in the county.

The builders were Messrs. Lathey Bros., Battersea, and the work was completed in March of last year.

Source: Croydon Advertiser, 3rd January 1885

1910 postcard

1910 postcard

1910 OS Map

Occupants of station on Electoral Registers
1890
Charles Barnes, Alfred Bunfield, William Carter, George Clay, William Marjetts, Percy Price, David Thomas

Raven’s Spring

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Robert Ellis of Elm Lodge bought the White Cottage on Morden Road in 1879 and sank an artesian well behind it. He set up a small factory and offices to sell mineral water from his “Raven’s Spring”. By 1882 the business had grown enough for him to move into larger premises at the “Ravenspring Works” in what is now called Western Road.

Source: page 96 Mitcham Histories: 10 Ravensbury by EN Montague

Croydon Advertiser and East Surrey Reporter – Saturday 17 August 1889 from the British Newspaper Archive (subscription required).

Ellis’s Beanfeast.

—On Saturday last Messrs, Ellis & Co., of the “Ravenspring,” Merton-road, gave their employees, to the number of about 30, their annual outing. Box Hill being the venue, as last year.

A start was made from the Old Nag’s Head about nine a.m. in the firm’s own vans, Mr. Tomlin, of that ilk, having undertaken to provide the “cusine” for the occasion, and himself accompanying the party, which was under the able management Mr. C. Dell.

On reaching Kingswood lunch was partaken of at the Red Lion. From there the journey was continued to Betchworth Clumps, where a halt was made to enable the party to enjoy the beautiful scenery thereabouts, from there on to the Wheatsheaf at Dorking was a most pleasant drive, and after indulging in cricket and various other games until dinner time the company sat down to the capital fare provided by Mr. Tomlin, everything being of the best and prepared the best style. It is needless to say the dinner was thoroughly enjoyed.

The afternoon was spent in various ways, and the party having been photographed en masse they returned to the Wheatsheaf and partook of a substantial tea, Mr. Sellman, the worthy host of that house, endeavouring by all means in his power to add to their enjoyment, and Mr. T, Saywers, of Morden, having joined the party, a most enjoyable time was spent.

After a pleasant drive home they reached the Old Nag’s Head about 10.40 p.m., well satisfied with their outing.

Mr. Ellis accompanied the party, the whole of the expense being borne by the firm.