Clapham Area Guide

Clapham has a long and interesting history dating back to Anglo-Saxon times when it was known as Clappa’s farm. During the seventeenth century, the rich gentry of London began to build fine country houses, particularly around the Common area. Amongst some of the well known former residents were Samuel Pepys, Zachary Macaulay and William Smith MP.

When the railways were developed, there was a sudden influx of commuters making the area less popular with the upper classes and resulting in a lot of property demolition and rebuilding. In fact, Clapham became so renowned as the home of the ordinary people that the phrase ‘man on the Clapham omnibus’ was coined in legal circles.

Today, it is a popular region with young families and commuters due to the fantastic public transport links and homely feel.