Pub at 40 Commonside West, Mitcham, CR4 4HA

c1920 clip from Merton Memories photo ref Mit_​Pubs_​28-3 copyright London Borough of Merton

1953 OS map shows pub as a Beer House

Eric Montague said, on page 149, chapter 6 Commonside West, from his book Mitcham Histories: 11 The Cranmers, The Canons and Park Place:

The first indisputable documentary evidence of a public house on the site is in the tithe register of 1847, which records the ‘Windmill Beershop, cottages and gardens’ occupying a plot totalling 11 poles, and owned by Charles WAYMARK.

…

The present building dates from the latter part of the 19th century, and amongst its recent licensees was ‘Smiler’ BOXALL, one-time captain of the Mitcham Cricket Club, who died in 1971.

Licensed Victuallers records:

1892 : the pub was listed as a Beer House selling beer on and off the premises. It was licensed before 1869. The brewery was Howard Nalder, Croydon.

1903 : the pub was listed as a Beer House selling beer on and off the premises. The brewery was Nalder & Collyers of Croydon, to which it was tied. The poor rate assessment was £40. Other than intoxicants, bread and cheese was offered. There was no accommodation, but there was stabling for one horse and there was a urinal. It did an ordinary class trade.

Licensees
1892 : Jane BOWERS
1903 : Albert Harry NEWBERRY
1904 : Alexander Tulley GRANT (shown as Beer retailer in 1904 directory)
1911 : Henry Edward CLISBY (shown as Beer retailer in 1911 directory)
1915 to 1930 : James BOXALL (shown as Beer retailer in 1915, 1925 and 1930 directories)
1933 : Mrs J. BOXALL (as contributor to the Explosion Fund)
1938 : Mrs Blanche Alice BOXALL (1938 commercial directory)
1971 to 2005 : John COVENTRY

News Articles
From Mitcham News & Mercury, 27th August 1971

The new-look “Windmill,” Commonside West, Mitcham, was given a send-off on Friday when executives of Ind Coope joined regulars for a celebration.

On the extreme right of the picture is licensee Mr John COVENTRY. Second from right is Ind Coope director Mr A.R. MOTION.

John Coventry passed away 18th July 2023.

14th November 1930 Streatham News:

MITCHAM LICENSEE’S DEATH.

Former Surrey Cricketer.

The funeral took place on Monday at the old Mitcham Church Cemetery of Mr. James Boxall landlord of the “ Windmiil ” Inn, on Mitcham Common Mr. Boxall, who was 64 years of age. had died on the previous Friday after a lingering illness. He was well known and highly respected in cricketing circles, having formerly played for Surrey, and for 13 years was professional and groundsman to the Mitcham C.C. He topped the Mitcham averages for several years.

He was also cricket coach to the Gray family at Fallodon, Northumberland, for several years and was reported to be one of the best groundsmen in the country.

Wreaths were sent by the Mitcham Cricket Club and the Mitcham Athletic Club, as well as a host of friends and licensed victuallers.