Clapham in 1815: Saints, Sinners – and the first Dads’ Army
The long years of the Napoleonic wars are finally over. Life for Clapham’s residents is returning to normal – money-making in the City, politely disagreeing over religion, and vehemently arguing about slavery.
In the village, local candlemaker-turned-mapmaker, Daniel Gould, is sitting down to draw up a remarkable plan, locating the prominent households around the Common along with their pubs, schools, shops, churches and chapels.
In this illustrated talk, members of the Clapham Society’s history group, led by Mike Tuffrey, will identify some of the rich cast of characters revealed by the plan – high minded reformers, two-timing rogues, and not forgetting their erstwhile volunteer defence corps. Together these evocative stories paint a rich picture of village life more than 200 years ago.
About the speakers
Mike Tuffrey is a long time Clapham resident who has given two talks previously to the Society. He will be joined by other members of the local history group. All are volunteers interested in researching chosen aspects of our heritage. If you have an interest to learn more about Clapham’s fascinating history and would be interested to join the local history group, please contact history@claphamsociety.com
This talk forms part of the month-long Lambeth Heritage Festival, with some 60 events organised during September by Lambeth Archives and the Lambeth Local History Forum.