Category Archives: Roads

Pitcairn Road

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Road named possibly after the story of Robinson Crusoe. Crusoe Farm Dairy was named by its owner on the possible residence of nearby Tooting Hall by Daniel Defoe, author of Robinson Crusoe.

There are two World War 2 bomb damage photos at Merton Memories.

After the war, temporary housing hutments were built near the junction with London Road. In 1954 the council sought to have them demolished

Mitcham Advertiser
4th February 1954

Hutments to be demolished

Mitcham Council have applied to the Ministry of Housing and Local Government for approval of the proposed demolition of the curved asbestos hutments on land in Pitcairn Road, Tooting Junction, at the junction with London Road, “as and when they become vacant”.

1949 OS map

1949 OS map

1952 clip from Merton Memories photo 51777 Copyright London Borough of Merton

1952 clip from Merton Memories photo 51777
Copyright London Borough of Merton

1950 aerial view

1950 aerial view

On the site was built a block of flats called Pitcairn Court.

World War 1 Connections
Lance Corporal Charles Edward Gibbs – MM
Private William John Savage

Rifleman Alfred Watts

WW2 Civilian Casualties

25th September 1940

John Charles WINBORN, aged 30, at 9 Pitcairn Road

Maps are reproduced with the permission of the National Library of Scotland.

Woodlands Maternity Home

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From the 1932 Medical Officer’s Report

The Woodlands Maternity Home, Devonshire Road, Collier’s Wood, was established by the Council in 1924.

During the year several improvements have taken place. A new Terrazzo floor has been put down in the labour ward, surgeons’ basins have been installed in the wards on the ground floor, and a new high pressure steriliser has been purchased. The interior of the Home has also been redecorated.

From the 1938 Medical Officer’s Report

STAFF

The staff consists of a matron, two sisters, two staff nurses and three pupil midwives. All the staff are State registered nurses and, with the exception of the pupil midwives, hold the certificate of the Central Midwives’ Board. The Home is recognised as a Part II. training school for midwives.

HOME

The Home can accommodate 15 patients at a time, but bookings are limited to 26 patients per month.

Opened on 1st August 1924. Source: Mitcham Urban District Council minutes, 24th July, 1924, page 230, volume 10.

Minutes of meetings held by the Mitcham Urban District Council are available on request from the Merton Heritage and Local Studies Centre at Morden Library.