Tooting History Group

We run regular meetings, visits and other events relating to historical and conservation matters in Tooting. We meet monthly and have a wide range of speakers planned. You can see dates for our future meetings and events here.

We hold our regular meetings at 7.30 pm at

The United Reformed Church
Rookstone Road
Tooting
SW17 9NQ.

A map can be found here. Meanwhile, we look forward to meeting you at one of our events.

Our next event: 10 February 2026

The Histories Of Heritage Park Tooting: How To Remember An Asylum

In erecting a plaque to remember the thousands of lives lived at Tooting Bec Asylum, we have opened up discussion of hidden histories and prompted more people to share memories and stories. The history of mental health services has always been contested: do we highlight the accounts of the Alleged Lunatics’ Friends Society of the 1860s and Survivors Speak Out of the 1980s — or the evidence from experienced clinicians, or NHS managers, or legal experts? This talk will draw on stories we have heard and some different histories to develop that discussion.

The talk will be given by Liz Sayce. United Reform Church (see above for details) at 7.30 pm.

News

Planning application: 2025/2256 Land rear of 2-28 Bickley Street

A planning proposal has been submitted for a small mews-style residential development on a ‘brownfield site’ at the back of a terrace of maisonettes on Bickley Street and next to Granada Street, which runs alongside the Grade I listed Granada Cinema building.

Although not opposed to the principle of the development, Tooting History Group has expressed its concern, as this is in an Archaeological Priority Area. We have suggested that in the event of the planning application being approved, and before work begins, further investigation of the site is essential. Recent submissions from Historic England are encouraging. For more information follow this link.

Posted 25 January 2026

Planning application: 2025/4580 Diprose Lodge The Chapel 750 Garratt Lane SW17 0LY

Tooting History Group is pleased to see Listed Building Consent sought for a ‘limited, conservation-led programme of investigative and enabling works to Diprose Chapel, a Grade II listed building forming part of the former St Clement Danes Holborn Estate Almshouses’.

The building has been vacant for some years and was sold last year at auction. Details from the agent together with those included in the application indicate some damage including from water ingress. We feel the proposed intervention is well timed. For more information follow this link.

Posted 25 January 2026

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