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: Sunday 22 February 2026

A walk around Heritage Park Estate to look at what remains of Tooting Bec Asylum

Our next event is a short walk around the Heritage Park Estate on Tooting Bec Road, looking at what remains of the Tooting Bec Asylum, which was built in 1903 and demolished in 1995. There are plaques, cast-iron columns and possibly even some trees which date from the days when Heritage Park was the grounds of the asylum.

The walk is next Sunday, 22 February, starting at 11 am and lasting about an hour. It is free, and there is no need to book. We will meet by the Green Plaque outside the Heritage Park Estate at the corner of Franciscan Road and Tooting Bec Road.

Copies of Tooting Bec Asylum Remembered 1903-1995 will be available to buy, price £5.

News

Heritage Park Estate Walk: Sunday 22 February 2026

Join Tooting History Group on a short walk around the Heritage Park Estate on Tooting Bec Road, looking at what remains of Tooting Bec Asylum, which was demolished in 1995.

Meet by the Green Plaque outside the Heritage Park Estate at the corner of Franciscan Road and Tooting Bec Road at 11 am on Sunday 22 February 2026. The walk should last about an hour. It is free, and there is no need to book.

Posted 16 February 2026

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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