Merton Abbey Mills takes part of its name from Merton Priory, one of the most important monasteries of the middle ages, which stood close by and owned much of the surrounding land.

By 1600, textile mills were attracted to the River Wandle, not only as a source of power but also because of the special quality of its water, a chalkstream ideally suited to the washing, dyeing and printing of textiles. By 1792 over a thousand people were employed in the area by the various print works or associated businesses.

Once established in the Wandle Valley, the printing industry attracted skilled workers from all over the United Kingdom, and several important advances in the technique of printing textiles were developed here. While the huge steam-powered mills of the Midlands dominated the industry in terms of mass production, the Wandle Valley textile industry led the way in quality and innovation.

For centuries afterwards it was a centre for the manufacture and printing of textiles, and until 1970 was the silk-printing works of the famous Regent Street store Liberty’s.

Left derelict for nearly twenty years it was restored in 1989 as a visitor centre, arts and crafts market and venue for cultural entertainment, since when it has become one of South London’s major regeneration successes with up to half a million visitors a year.

The market takes place every Saturday and Sunday between 10am and 5pm, but many of the shops are open weekdays too, as are the Commonwealth Café, Mamma Rosa Restaurant and The William Morris Riverside Freehouse.

As well as many other events, craft classes and demonstrations, the Colour House Children’s Theatre plays every weekend, and Abbeyfest, Merton Abbey Mills’ two month long festival of music and drama, is held every July and August.

< Prev