1
South Merton station
The Wimbledon to Sutton line was first proposed in the early 1880s with the intention of stimulating house building across the clay pastures between the two towns, which up until then had remained largely untouched. Lack of enthusiasm or downright opposition from established railway companies, particularly the London, Brighton & South Coast Railway, prevented any progress until after the First World War. The LBSCR went to such lengths to prove there was no need for a railway north of Sutton that when a Parliamentary committee in 1910 was considering a Bill for the line they produced a lady who explained that she had once tried to hail a bus which used to run between Wimbledon and Sutton. The conductor was so surprised that he failed to signal to the driver to stop, and the driver turned round to see what the lady was waving at.
The line finally opened in 1930, nearly 50 years after it was first proposed. The Wimbledon to Sutton line was designed for electric trains, with many inclines and sharp curves, although it hardly justified the drivers' nickname for it: "Wall of Death". South Merton, along with other stations on the line, has a single central platform. This cuts down the need for a footbridge and the station is approached by a single set of steps down from Martin Way at the junction with Mostyn Road. This is the view up the line towards Wimbledon Chase.
Image: © Marathon
Taken: 22 Aug 2012
0.05 miles
2
The Wall of Death
The railway between Wimbledon and Sutton was the last addition to the suburban system of the Southern Railway, and was not opened until 1930. Because of its late construction, the civil engineering was very difficult and the line had to be built with many steep gradients and sharp curves. Electrified from the start, it became known to the drivers as 'The Wall of Death', and this name has survived. It is seen here looking northwest from South Merton station,
Image: © Dr Neil Clifton
Taken: 23 Jul 2013
0.07 miles
3
Buckleigh Avenue, South Merton
A small green with a few trees at the junction of Beaford Grove and Buckleigh Avenue.
Image: © Des Blenkinsopp
Taken: 11 Oct 2024
0.08 miles
4
Church Hall, Buckleigh Avenue
Behind South Merton Methodist Church.
Image: © Des Blenkinsopp
Taken: 11 Oct 2024
0.09 miles
5
Shops, Martin Way
The parade includes a post office. The corner shop sells 'Oriental wellbeing food'.
Image: © Robin Webster
Taken: 1 Apr 2012
0.10 miles
6
South Merton, Martin Way Post Office
Image: © Mike Faherty
Taken: 13 Nov 2013
0.10 miles
7
Shops on Martin Way
A parade of shops close to South Merton Station;
Image is just off to the left.
Image: © Derek Harper
Taken: 16 Nov 2010
0.10 miles
8
Martin Way Methodist Church: early February 2018
Image: © Basher Eyre
Taken: 3 Feb 2018
0.10 miles
9
Local Shops, Martin Way, South Merton
Image: © Des Blenkinsopp
Taken: 11 Oct 2024
0.10 miles
10
Shops on Martin Way, Merton
Image: © David Howard
Taken: 17 Sep 2018
0.10 miles