Facts about Battersea
Battersea Power Station has appeared in many British cinematic moments over the years. For example, it has had the, some would say, dubious honour of appearing Spice Girls - The Movie. Scenes from End of the Affair, 101 Dalmations and Wilde were filmed in Battersea Park.
The University of Surrey, was established by Royal charter in 1966, but its roots can be traced back to the Battersea Polytechnic Institute, founded in 1891. It was renamed Battersea College of Technology in 1956 before being awarded university status and eventually moving to its present Guildford location in 1970.
The late Only Fools and Horses star Buster Merryfield, who played Uncle Albert in Britain's favourit sitcom, was born in Battersea on November 27, 1920.
Battersea Ironsides Rugby Football Club, described by themselves as the "best rugby club in London", play their home matches next to Wandsworth Prison. Founded in 1943 by members of the 42nd Royal Tank Regiment, the club opened its doors to non-regiment players.
Track and field athletes of The Belgrave Harriers train in Battersea Park. The club, founded in 1887, original had its base in Belgravia, Central London.
The first football match ever played under Football Association rule took place on January 9, 1863, at Battersea Park.
Clapham Junction is the UK's busiest railway station.
Clapham Junction is actually in Battersea rather than Clapham.
Famous residents include comedian Jack Dee, celebrities Simon and Yasmin Le Bon, and Gordon Ramsey.
Battersea Park replaced a notorious haunt of Regency lowlife who visited the area's dens and taverns.
Lady bicyclists shocked locals by riding in Battersea Park in the 1890s. They had been banned from Hyde Park.
The name Battersea means marshy island and the area was once famous for growing asparagus.
Dick Turpin was believed to have drunk in the Plough pub, Clapham Junction.
Battersea Park was the site of the Festival of Britain's Pleasure Gardens in 1951.
Much of the land in the area was originally owned by the Spencer family.
The poet William Blake got married in St Mary's Church, Battersea.
If you know any interesting facts about Battersea you like to see added here, please contact Lorinda Freint, the Town Centre Manager. E-mail: lfreint@wandsworth.gov.uk
