Merton,
or Martin (as it is in Carey), lay close to Mitcham and Tooting, seven
miles from London. Anciently a Saxon manor, after the Conquest an abbey
was founded near the village which at various times hosted both parliaments
and clerical assemblies. During the Civil war the abbey was used as
a garrison, and afterwards rented out. It was demolished in 1724 and
a calico factory established on the site. The parish church dated from
medieval times. The bridge over the river at Merton was built in 1633
and was remarkable for its arch which was turned with tiles rather than
brick or stone; the bridge formed the boundary of the parishes of Merton,
Mitcham
and Wimbledon. Lord
Nelson owned a villa at Merton Place.
