Pub rebuilt in 1910.

Contents
Timeline
Maps

Location:15 Merton High St, London SW19 1DF

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I. ORIGINS & FOUNDATION (Early 19th Century)

1829 | Establishment

• Foundation: The Nelson Arms is established, planting deep historical roots in the local area.
• Context: It emerges during a period of dense licensed trade along the High Street, driven by industrial employment and transit traffic.

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II. THE EDWARDIAN REINVENTION (1905 – 1910)

1905 | The “Local Hero” Context

• Cultural Atmosphere: The centenary of Lord Nelson’s death is celebrated locally with reverence.
• Significance: He remains a “local hero” to the community, influencing the pub’s strong thematic identity.

1910 | The Grand Rebuild

• Event: The pub is completely rebuilt.
• Significance: This reconstruction transforms the building into a specialized “Nelsonian” landmark rather than a generic public house.

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III. ARCHITECTURAL DISTINCTION (1910 – Present)

The “Garters” Murals

• Feature: The exterior is adorned with iconic tiled murals depicting Lord Nelson and HMS Victory.
• Artistry: These distinctive ceramics are attributed to “Garters of Poole”.
• Impact: The murals turn the pub into a destination for architectural tourism, distinguishing it from its competitors.

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IV. RESILIENCE & SURVIVAL (Modern Era)

Late 20th Century | Survival of the Fittest

• Contrast: While the King’s Head converts to offices and the Royal Six Bells closes due to flooding, the Nelson Arms survives the erosion of the traditional pub network.
• Strategy: Its specialized branding and unique architectural identity provide the resilience needed to withstand market pressures.

Present Day | A Living Landmark

• Status: The Nelson Arms remains a functioning public house.
• Legacy: It stands as a “Tiled Success Story” and a tangible link to the area’s historical density of licensed trade.

Maps

Ordnance Survey maps are reproduced by permission of the National Library of Scotland, reuse CC-BY.