WELCOME TO CLAPHAM SW LONDON
The Clapham Society is a voluntary organisation that seeks to improve the quality of life in Clapham and to protect our heritage. We promote excellence in new developments as well as conservation of the best features of the past.
We take an active interest in development proposals, particularly those that may adversely impact on the public realm or result in environmental harm. We seek to protect historically and architecturally important buildings.
Clapham Common is a greatly treasured open space at the heart of Clapham that is enjoyed by all. We work with Lambeth Council and like-minded local bodies to safeguard and enhance the Common for the benefit of everyone.
We are not politically aligned, and we liaise with other civic societies on matters of shared interest and concern.
Upcoming Events
In the Footsteps of the Clapham War Novel
Graham Greene set The End of the Affair on North Side and Ian McEwan has two of his characters (in Atonement) visiting Clapham and Holy Trinity Church. Clapham has long been the inspiration…
The History Of Clapham Common
Tom Jansz leads this walk, tracing the history of Clapham Common from medieval grazing ground through place of recreation for 18th century incomers who built villas around it, associations with…Latest Newsletter
Issue 474 March 2025
Clapham architect Julia Barfield on the 25th anniversary of the London Eye • Professor Mark Ashworth, a Lambeth GP whose legacy spreads far • Soft talk from BBC journalist Stephen Sackur • Music is in the air – Mendelssohn & Mozart (Clapham Chamber Concerts), top tenor David Butt Philip (St Paul’s Opera) and Scottish folk (St Luke’s Music Society) • The twists and turns of Elms Road and Abbeville Road ‘north’ • Lambeth, home of the circus – our next talk at Omnibus Theatre and a new exhibition at Lambeth Archives • All this and more!
Learn About Clapham And Its History
From earliest times people have made their home in Clapham. In all the changes down the years, from the 11 households recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 to today’s bustling community, one constant is the Common – even if excitable dogs have replaced grazing cattle and jogging is now more likely than gathering firewood. It was the Common that attracted wealthy City merchants to make Clapham their rural respite 300 years ago, their grand mansions giving way to terraced housing and blocks of flats closer to our own times.
We have an active group of volunteers who continue to research and record Clapham’s changing history. There’s lots more information in the link below.
How You Can Support The Clapham Society
Join Us
Join the Society to support us in conserving the best aspects of Clapham’s built environment, and lobbying for improvements to the area, including the Common. Members get a regular Newsletter delivered to their door. We also participate in local activities organised by the Society, such as talks, walks, local history research, and visits to sites of local interest.
Donate
Use this button to give support of the Society’s activities. [You will be able to indicate what you want your gift to go towards.] If you certify that you pay UK tax, we can reclaim 25p for every £1 you give under the Gift Aid scheme.