Built in 1864, this was the residence of the civil engineer George Parker Bidder until 1877, when he transferred it to his son George Parker Bidder II. The son, who as a QC helped secure the future of Mitcham Common, died in 1896. His Ravensbury estate was put up for sale in 1896, see below. Ravensbury Park House became the Catherine Gladstone Convalescent Home founded by the wife of the prime minister, William Gladstone.

Sale details from Wallington & Carshalton Herald – Saturday 18 July 1896

RAVENSBURY PARK, MITCHAM, SURREY
.
-The favourite and unique Freehold Estate of the late G. P. Bidder, Esq., Q.C.-For sale
by order of the Trustees of the will.

MESSRS
DEBENHAM, TEWSON,
FARMER, AND BRIDGEWATER are
instructed to SELL, at the Mart, London, E.C.,
on THURSDAY, JULY 30th, at 2, the charming FREEHOLD ESTATE known as Ravensbury Park, in the parish of Mitcham, in the county of Surrey; which, although within 90 minutes’ ride of Victoria Station of the L.B. and S.C.Ry. and within very easy reach of the City, via London Bridge, also within one hour’s drive of the City or West End of London, has a combination of country attractions fully entitling it to be described as absolutely unique. The property comprises a modern mansion, occupying an elevated position in the midst of a well-timbered undulating ancient park (a portion having been the site of an old family residence).

Ravensbury Park House contains about 17 bed and dressing rooms, boudoir, two bathrooms, a good entrance hall, a handsome staircase and a secondary staircase, and an elegant and well-proportioned drawing-room, measuring about 46ft. by 24ft., which may be divided into two rooms, one opening to a conservatory; a capital dining-room, about 27ft. by 24ft., with bay leading to pleasure grounds; a study; a library or billiard-room, 27ft. by 18ft.; a smoking-room; a laboratory and a gentleman’s workshop, with separate staircase to garden entrance; a full suite of domestic offices on the ground floor level, and capital dry cellarage below. Attached to the house is a studio with a north roof light. The pleasure grounds immediately surround the house and are approached through pleasantly-shaded drives and walks, in one of which is some very ornamental water with a waterfall; also an established rookery. The grounds include fine large lawns with grass and asphalt tennis courts, numerous walks, and luxuriantly shrubbed banks. They are decorated by very handsome timber and protected by two capital entrance lodges.

A great feature of the property is the fishing (about a mile) in the river Wandle, which runs through the estate, affording undoubtedly the best trout fishing obtainable within a like distance of London. In the long reach of the river, there are several celebrated trout holes, well known to many lovers of the piscatorial art. Near the river are some lovely wilderness walks matchless in their picturesque beauty. Rising from the river banks are the rich, park-like meadows. These also are beautified by notable timber trees.

At there is capital stabling within an enclosed yard, containing four stalls, three loose boxes, harness-room, large coach-house, coachman’s cottage, gardener’s cottage, root cellar, range of tool and store sheds, and nearby are very fine old vegetable and fruit gardens enclosed by capital walls and containing several glass houses. In a well-chosen position at the end of the drive, opening to the Mitcham and Wimbledon road, is an excellent house for a bailiff, with a convenient homestead and two cottages, providing accommodation for a herd of dairy cows.

The entire area is 180. 2r. 0p. The property has a long frontage to the road from Mitcham to Sutton. There is also a communication with the road between Mitcham and Wimbledon, affording the greatest possible facilities for subdivision, whereby a considerable portion of the land might be dealt with for building purposes without materially interfering with the enjoyment of the present house.

The property is in the midst of an excellent social neighbourhood. There are capital golf links on Mitcham Common, close by. Churches are within easy reach. Gas and water are laid on to various parts of the premises. Also included will be several enclosures of adjoining land, containing together 67a. 2r. 10p., which are held on lease.

Particulars of Messrs. TALBOT AND QUAYLE, Solicitors, Talbot House, Arundel-street, Strand, London; and (with orders to view) of Messrs. TROLLOPE, Estate Agents, 15, Parliament-street, Westminster, London; and of the AUCTIONEERS, 89, Cheapside, London, E.C.
32715

In summary, the entire area of the property was 180 acres 2 roods, with an additional 67 acres, 2roods and 10 perches of adjoining land held on lease.

The property included:

17 bed and dressing rooms
2 bathrooms
entrance hall
drawing room
dining room
study
library or billiard room
smoking room
laboratory
gentleman’s workshop
domestic offices
cellar
studio
coachman’s cottage
gardener’s cottage
bailiff’s house
2 cottages

From the Church Times, 17th February 1905

The Queen has graciously consented to be the Patroness of Mrs. Gladstone’s Free Convalescent Home for the Poor of London, now situated at Ravensbury House, Mitcham. Founded in 1866 by Mrs Gladstone, this charity has received 35,617 patients, men, women, and children. It is mainly dependent on voluntary contributions for its support.