5 Famous People Connected to the River Wandle

Over the centuries the River Wandle has attracted entrepreneurs, authors, anglers and artists. This post lists five famous people connected to the Wandle.

5 Famous People of the River Wandle

1. William Morris

In 1881, the fabric designer William Morris bought a textile mill by the River Wandle. It remained open for 59 years, finally closing its doors in 1940. The old factory was located where the Sainsburys and Marks & Spencers is today, in Colliers Wood.

2. Arthur Liberty

Arthur Liberty, the visionary behind the iconic Liberty department store, founded Liberty Print Works on the banks of the River Wandle in 1904. His workshop was located in Merton Abbey Mills, next door to William Morris’ factory, and remained in operation until the 1960s.

3. Izaak Walton

Izaak Walton, the author of “The Compleat Angler”, regularly fished on the River Wandle. His book, published in 1653, is the first-ever fishing textbook, and mentions the Wandle for its brown trout. He describes them as having “marbled spots like a Tortoise.”

4. Horatio Nelson

Horatio Nelson lived in Merton from 1801-1805, and regularly fished on the river Wandle. His house, Merton Place, stood near to where South Wimbledon Station is today, not far from the river. Today the Nelson Arms pub marks the site of the original lodge and entrance gates to Merton Place.

5. George Elliot

George Eliot, the renowned novelist, lived in Merton at Holly Lodge, 31 Wimbledon Park Road, when she published “The Mill on the Floss”, in 1860. Her home was located close to the River Wandle, and it is believed that the mills on the river inspired her novel.

More Information About the River Wandle

• Why is the River Wandle called Wandle?
• Can you Swim in the River Wandle?
• Why is there a Small Wall in the River Wandle in Earlsfield?
• What are the Numbered Waymarkers Along the Wandle Trail?
• 10 Interesting Facts About the River Wandle
• Is the River Wandle Clean?
• River Graveney – A Tributary of the River Wandle