Would you like to find out more about any of the events and archives mentioned on this blog?
Wandsworth Heritage Service is the archives and local history library for the borough of Wandsworth. We have a wide range of material, from maps and photographs to letters from local families and council minutes, as well as books about the local area. Many of the entries on this blog are from our archives, if you would like to know more about any of them or come and see the originals for yourself then please do let us know – we’d love to help!
We are located just a few minutes walk from Clapham Junction station on the first floor of Battersea Library, 265 Lavender Hill, SW11 1JB and are open 9-5 Mondays, Fridays and Saturdays and 9-8 Tuesdays and Wednesdays. It’s normally easier to see the archives if you get in touch before your visit – you can contact us on 020 7223 2334 or by email: heritage@gll.org
Our archives catalogue is available to search online: http://www.calmview.eu/wandworth/calmview
Wandsworth 1914-1918 
I hope you can help me please?
I am researching a relative who died in WW1. He was born and lived in Putney and I was hoping that there may have been some mention of his life – or death – in his local newspaper.
His name is Henry Alfred Lester. He was born in 1888 and died in 1914. He is commemorated on the war memorial in All Saints church on Putney Bridge. He was part of a large family who lived in Putney and Fulham. He enlisted in the army in 1906. At that point he was working as a gardener in North House on Putney Hill. We are ideally trying to track down a photograph of him but would be happy to find any references or mentions that might give us any insight into his life.
We have been in touch with the regimental museum and have discovered quite a bit about Henry and have been to his grave in Belgium – we believe that this would have been the first family visit in over 100 years. It was very poignant. He was a lance corporal in the South Wales Borderers.
Any information, guidance or thoughts would be very much appreciated.
Chris Linpow
I was interested to read your article about Voelkers Gas mantle factory. My grandmother was a forewoman there and led a strike in 1912 although, apparently, they were good employers by British standards. Presumably she is one of the women in the staff photograph. I remember her telling me that the company was German owned and that the managers/directors? were interned during WW1. I went to school in Wix’s Lane and remember the library very well. I would love to visit your archive but it is difficult for me to get up to London at the present time.
Thank you for your comment Theresa – I wonder if your grandmother is in that photo! Let us know if you are ever coming to London and would like to visit the archives here. Our email address is: heritage@gll.org