Once considered a hotbed of sedition, later the hiding place of priceless treasures from India, Chester House, Wimbledon's third oldest building, has a wealth of stories to tell. Now for the first time, the new book "Chester House - Atmosphere of a Past Age" tells all about this 17th century landmark beside the Common.

Author Tony Matthews has collated material from many sources to tell the full story of Chester House with its legends, mysteries and fascinating residents over three centuries. Most famous of all was the 18th century radical campaigner and writer John Horne Tooke who lived there for his last 20 years until 1812. The only man in England imprisoned for supporting the colonies in the American War of Independence, he was also jailed for treason in the Tower of London during the French Revolution and prosecuted for criminal libel against the Speaker of the House of Commons. Yet he campaigned for political reforms long before they came about, counted government ministers among his many personal friends, wrote influential books on the English language, and made Chester House one of the country's most controversial social centres. And he was just one of the house's many fascinating residents!

The book is published by Wimbledon Society Museum Press. Copies are available at the Museum of Wimbledon every weekend, price just £3.