IMAGES TAKEN NEAR TO
Paddock Close, WORCESTER PARK, KT4 7LY

A footpath through woodland near Old Malden, on the outer fringe of south west London. The path forms part of the London LOOP long-distance path.

Here a path leads downhill from Old Malden Lane to the River Hogsmill near Six Acre Meadow. In the early years of the 19th century, there were no less than twelve gunpowder mills beside the Hogsmill River within the parish of Malden, concentrated especially here near Malden Church. At 1 am on 2nd January 1742, one of these powder mills blew up with the magazine which contained 40 barrels of gunpowder. Great damage was done to the surrounding houses and the windows of the church 400 yards away were shattered. The explosion was heard in London. In 1854 two of the mills closer to the road blew up. It is rather more peaceful here now.

Until the early 20th century, Old Malden Common used to extend across a considerably larger area to the east but most of this is now built over. Much of the old grassland has turned into scrub and woodland. In this view along Old Malden Lane, Old Malden Common stretches up the hill to the right, whilst a path on the left drops down to the River Hogsmill - see http://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/3439215

Tamesis Gardens is a modern housing development in Worcester Park, on the outer fringe of south west London. "Tamesis" is the Latin name for "Thames".

The strip of scrub between the Hogsmill River and the road has a mown path which terminates here.