Situated between Mitcham Lane and Tooting Bec Common, from 1739 Streatham Park was the home of the Thrales, a family of wealthy Southwark brewers.
Henry Thrale and his wife Hester often entertained the author and lexicographer Dr Samuel Johnson who had his own rooms at Streatham Park. The Thrales were a cultured family, and Hester played hostess to a group of notaries subsequently nicknamed the Streatham Worthies. They included the painter Joshua Reynolds and actor David Garrick. After Henry's death there was scandal when Hester married her daughter's singing teacher Gabriel Piozzi.
In 1862 the London, Brighton and South Coast Railway divided the estate and it was sold off for housing. You will find many hidden gems along the Victorian streets including the homes of the Bishop of Southwark, and the once infamous Madam, Cynthia Payne.
Author - Brian Bloice
£3 including p&p
