Yet another local pub, The Grove, on the corner of Morden Road and Kingston Road at South Wimbledon, is currently under threat of closure.

In recent times we have lost many of our local pubs and each time we do so we lose another little bit of local history.

Already gone recently is the Emma Hamilton at Wimbledon Chase, recalling the time when she and Lord Nelson lived nearby until his death at Trafalgar in 1805.

The Grove has been there since 1865 and was named after Merton Grove, the estate which stood on the opposite corner bounded by Merton Road, Kingston Road, Montague Road and Pelham Road.

This estate was owned by Sir Richard Hotham, the previous occupant of nearby Merton Place before Nelson’s time there with Lady Hamilton. Merton Grove was built in 1792 and had a large orchard, grapery, paddocks, coach house, stables and pleasure grounds.

Sir Richard Hotham was a colourful character who was involved in local affairs, stood as an MP and was knighted by King George III in 1769. He was also responsible for turning Bognor from a small fishing village into what he hoped would be a fashionable resort, like Brighton, to attract dignitaries and royalty. He had originally wanted to call the town Hothampton. (Its official royal link had to wait until a 20th century visit by King George V after which it became known as Bognor Regis.)

After Hotham’s death Merton Grove went through several hands before finally being demolished in 1896.

When South Wimbledon tube station was built 30 years later in 1926, one of the names considered for it was Merton Grove. Curiously, ‘Merton’ Grove was actually in what was then the borough of Wimbledon while what became ‘South Wimbledon’ station was actually in Merton!

The anomaly continued until the present Borough of Merton was created in 1965, merging Wimbledon with its neighbour.

If the Grove pub is closed down the last remaining connection with what was once Merton Grove will be lost. True, there is a Hotham Road off Merton High Street which commemorates Sir Richard but there will be no remaining direct link with what was once described as ‘a rural spot with shady groves and views over fresh unbroken country.’

Every time we lose a pub we lose much more than just a place to drink.

The Wimbledon Society is working with the Wimbledon Guardian to ensure that you, the readers, can share the fascinating discoveries that continue to emerge about our local heritage.

For more information, visit wimbledonsociety.org.uk and www.wimbledonmuseum.org.uk.

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