So you thought you know Wimbledon?
Last month, my colleague Clive Scrivener, wrote here about the charms of SW19 where our office is located, but what he didn’t realise is he’s now given me an appetite into finding out a bit more, writes Zah Azeem, Partner at Wimbledon based Chartered Surveyors.
So here goes. Here are ten more things you (probably) never knew about Wimbledon…!
1. The Secret Tunnels of Wimbledon Common: Beneath the tranquil expanse of Wimbledon Common lies a network of secret tunnels, rumoured to date back centuries. Some speculate that these passages were used by smugglers and highwaymen to evade the law, while others believe they served a more clandestine purpose, perhaps as hiding places for the wealthy elite during times of political unrest.
2. The Mysterious Standing Stones of Cannizaro Park: Cannizaro Park, known for its picturesque gardens, is home to a lesser-known mystery: a circle of ancient standing stones hidden among the foliage. The origins of these enigmatic stones are shrouded in mystery, with some suggesting they are remnants of a long-forgotten pagan ritual site.
3. The Enigmatic Statues of Wimbledon Park Lake: Beneath the tranquil waters of Wimbledon Park Lake lie a series of submerged statues, their origins and purpose shrouded in mystery. Some believe these eerie figures were part of a forgotten art installation, while others suspect they hold deeper symbolic meaning, perhaps serving as guardians of the lake’s hidden secrets.
4. The Eccentric Entomologists’ Society: Wimbledon Borough is home to a secretive society of eccentric entomologists known as the “Bug Enthusiasts.” Meeting under the cover of darkness, these insect aficionados share their passion for creepy crawlies and rare specimens, exchanging cryptic messages and conducting covert field expeditions in search of elusive bugs.
5. The Cursed Courtyard of Wimbledon Theatre: Wimbledon Theatre is rumoured to be haunted by numerous spectres, in particular that of JB Mulholland, the impresario who opened the theatre in 1910 and died ten years later. According to legend, his restless spirit now roams the theatre’s courtyard, casting a pall of unease over anyone who dares to linger in the shadow of the stage lights.
6. The Mystery of Wimbledon’s Lost Library: Deep within the archives of Wimbledon’s lost library are rumoured to be ancient texts and forbidden knowledge hidden from prying eyes. Scholars and seekers of arcane wisdom have long sought to uncover the secrets contained within its dusty tomes, but the library’s elusive location remains a tantalizing mystery.
7. The Phantom Pianist of Wimbledon Village: Wimbledon Village is said to be haunted by the ghost of a phantom pianist who serenades unsuspecting passersby with haunting melodies in the dead of night. Locals recount hearing the ethereal strains of music drifting through the streets, evoking a sense of melancholy longing in those who listen.
8. The Enigmatic Enclave of Wimbledon Hill Park: Wimbledon Hill Park is home to an enigmatic enclave known as the “Garden of Secrets,” where rare botanical specimens and exotic flora flourish in secluded gardens hidden from public view. Accessible only to those who possess the key to its hidden gate, this clandestine sanctuary offers a refuge for nature lovers and seekers of tranquility.
9. The Obscure Origins of Wimbledon’s Underground Reservoir: Wimbledon’s underground reservoir, a vast labyrinth of tunnels and chambers hidden beneath the borough’s streets, has a murky past shrouded in secrecy. Some speculate that it was built by clandestine organizations for nefarious purposes, while others believe it holds the key to unlocking ancient mysteries buried deep within its subterranean depths.
10. The Phantom Fisherman of Beverley Brook: Beverley Brook, a meandering waterway that winds its way through Wimbledon Borough, is said to be haunted by the ghost of a phantom fisherman. Locals tell tales of his ghostly apparition, seen casting his line into the murky depths in search of spectral fish that shimmer and vanish as quickly as they appear.
If you would like to discuss Leasehold and Freehold Reforms or a valuation and how this might affect your property, please contact me direct via email at zah@scrivenertibbatts.co.uk or call 020 8947 7040.