Battersea lies on the south bank of the River Thames.
In its early years the area was known for mills, breweries, dyeing, bleaching and calico printing. Further from the river, inland, was an agricultural community.
Industries moved from the area in the 190’s and the governments started to clear slums and build more houses. Many years’ later factories were demolished and replaced the blocks of flats. The council sold most of their property and the working men’s clubs became bistros. Unfortunately several infamous council estates are still being used.
In 1929 construction began on Battersea Power Station, it took ten years to complete.
This was a coal fired electrical generating facility and part of the National Grid power distribution system. The building is the largest brick built structure in Europe and noted for its Art Deco fittings and decorations. It is a Grade II listed building currently owned by an Irish Company who brought it in 2006 for £400m.
Several redevelopment schemes have been planned but nothing yet has happened. In 1984 a theme park was proposed and plans were given the go ahead in 1986 but work stopped in 1989 because of the lack of finances. Other plans have been suggested but as yet nothing concrete has materialized.
Battersea Dogs and Cats Home was located in Battersea in 1871. It was formerly known as the Temporary Home for Lost and Starving dogs. The well known name of Battersea Dogs Home was changed in 2005 to make people aware of the fact that cats are accepted in to the home as well as dogs.
The New Covent Garden Market is a wholesale fruit, vegetable and flower market. It covers 56 acres and houses 250 companies. It is run by the Covent Garden Market Authority and provides food to restaurants, schools, prisons, hospitals and other caterers. It was opened on November 11th 1974 having been moved from Covent Gardens in Central London.
Prices Candles was opened in 1830 as a maker and retailer of candles. The site in Battersea is now a candle retail outlet. There used to be 130 different sorts and sizes of candles and 60 permutations of materials used. In 1900 it was the largest manufacturer of candles in the world. It is still the largest candle producing company in the UK.
The original owner’s son, James Wilson provided all 1000 boy employees with a locker drawer and placed in it a bible, hymn book and an arithmetic book. He was to become a first in workers welfare by giving a free breakfast and supper and free baths to his employees.
Battersea Park is a green space covering 200 acres and was opened in 1858. It was called Battersea Fields and was well known for duelling.
In 1951 it became Festival Gardens to celebrate the Festival of Britain and had fountains and a water garden together with walkways linking platforms suspended between the branches of some trees.
It was also home to Battersea Fun Fair. The most famous ride was the Big Dipper that closed in 1972 after five children were killed in an accident when one car broke loose and crashed into another. The accident was responsible for the parks decline and it was closed in 1974.
Today the park is home to a small zoo, boating lake, tennis courts, athletic track and football pitches.
There are plenty of shops in Battersea including Kew, Siena Fashions, White Stuff, Lizzies, Afaaf, JAG’s, Sirca 6, Roderick Charles London, Quackers and Petit Bateau.
Property for rent is always available in Battersea costing £725 - £1300pw for 4-5 bed houses, £550-£660pw for 3 bed apartments, £360-£695pw for a 2 bed flat, £220-£550pw for a l bed flat and £150-£175pw for a studio apartment.
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