I last posted here about Cheam in January this year when I visited Whitehall house. This time I was on the Cheam trail before setting off for a walk through two nearby parks. The trail begins at Whithall House and along the road to The Rectory, the middle of which is either medieval or tudor in style and is said to be haunted by the ghost of Launcelot Andrews, a former rector.
Over the road is the war memorial, behind which is the library, but long before that it was the site of West Cheam Manor. It was demolished in 1796. Just around the corner is St Dunstan’s Church, built in the French Gothic style . The lynch gate is neo-Gothic from 1891.
Lumley Chapel is what is left of the old church, part of which is from the 13th century and is another Grade II listed building.
The churchyard at St Dunstan’s is large and interesting and very photogenic!
Next to the church is The Old Farmhouse a 16th century building with later additions. It is thought that the house was used by priests attached to the church.
The Red Lion pub is one of the oldest pubs in the borough. Built in the 17th century. It is now a Grade II listed building.
Somehow I missed The Old Cottage, which I believe is now a shop. I took a photo of a parade of shops and thought the cottage was the one at the end, but I think its perhaps on the corner by the main road junction.
Nonsuch Park is beautiful with many pathways to walk. It is also home to Nonsuch Mansion built between 1731 and 1843 by Joseph Thompson. There are gardens and today the cafe was open, but only for takeaways. The queue was quite long. More inmportantly the toilers were open!
My London+ 