Honey in the Wood!

The Honeywood Museum is located in Carshalton, a suburb of London. The house where the museum is situated dates back to the 17th century, with Victorian and Edwardian extensions, including the billiard room, drawing room and Victorian scullery.

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In front of the museum, are the Carshalton ponds, which were built in the 17th century and have long been a feature of the village before it became attached to the conurbation of London. By the 20th century, the ponds were a key landmark of the place.

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This little museum shows the local history of the area. A very interesting feature of the museum is a stream of water that passes under the house. The village was famous for its ponds, springs, and the water purity. However, historically the water became polluted and became a health hazard. In the second half of the nineteenth century, the village was divided by a long battle over the installation of proper sewers.

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The area was very rich at the time. The house was a legacy of the chemist and businessman John Pattinson Kirk and his family, who lived there through the final decades of Queen Victoria’s reign. Nowadays the museum holds lots of projects for local people, and families, hosting exhibitions and art work.

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This part of English heritage is very exciting. I never ever imagined that this small suburb of London had such a rich history. If you come to London, don’t just spend time on the main attractions, find the little hidden areas, and you won’t be disappointed.