Retirement Properties Spotlight in Mitcham

Mitcham lies about eight miles south of London between Morden and Croydon and there has been a settlement here since Roman times. Its name seems to derive from 'large homestead or village' and it was known as as Michelham in Domesday and belonged to the Bishop of Bayeux. A large Anglo-Saxon cemetery was discovered here in the 20th century and the Parish Church of St Peter and St Paul has a Saxon Tower. 871 was a busy year for the Saxons and it is thought that the Battle of Merton against the Danes was fought nearby.

In the 16th century Mitcham became a popular retreat for London courtiers and later became well known for its lavender fields. The town developed in the 18th century with new industries and today has a busy centre with one of the oldest cricket grounds in the country.