7 Interesting Facts About Balham You Never Knew

Balham is a neighbourhood located in the southern part of London, England. It is known for its vibrant, diverse community and its many shops, restaurants, and pubs.

Quick facts about Balham

• Balham is a neighbourhood located in the London Borough of Wandsworth.
• The crime rate in Balham is considered to be lower than the average for London as a whole.
• Balham is home to several reputable schools, including Balham Primary School, rated “outstanding” by Ofsted, and Henry Cavendish Primary School, rated “good”.
• Balham has several supermarkets and grocery stores, including Waitrose, Sainsbury’s, and Tesco.
• Balham is well-connected to the rest of London by public transportation. Several bus routes and two London Underground stations (Balham and Clapham South) provide access to the Northern line.
• Balham is home to several hospitals, including the Balham Leisure Centre Health Suite, St George’s University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, and The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust.

Here are seven other exciting facts about Balham:

1. The name “Balham” is believed to have originated from the Anglo-Saxon words “bealh,” meaning “bent grass,” and “ham,” meaning “homestead.” This suggests that the area was once covered in grassy fields and was home to a small community of farmers.
2. Balham has a long history, with evidence of human settlement dating back to the Roman period. The area was originally a rural village, but it began to develop into a suburban neighbourhood in the 19th century when it was connected to central London by the London and South Western Railway.
3. Balham is home to several notable landmarks, including the Bedford pub, which was built in 1885 and is a popular spot for live music and comedy performances. The Balham Bowls Club, which was founded in 1885, is also a notable feature of the neighbourhood.
4. Balham is known for its diverse community, with residents from various backgrounds and cultures. This diversity is reflected in the neighbourhood’s many shops and restaurants, which offer various cuisines and products.
5. Balham is home to several well-known schools, including Balham Primary School, which was rated as “outstanding” by Ofsted, the government agency responsible for inspecting schools in England. The area also has several independent schools, including the Hawthorns School, which provides education for children with special educational needs.
6. Balham is well-connected to the rest of London, with several tube and rail stations serving the area. The neighbourhood is located on the Northern Line of the London Underground, providing easy access to central London and other parts of the city.
7. Balham is a popular destination for shoppers, with several high-street stores and independent retailers located in the area. The High Road, which runs through the centre of the neighbourhood, is particularly popular with shoppers, with various shops, cafes, and restaurants to choose from.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Balham is a diverse and vibrant neighbourhood in the southern part of London. With its rich history and many notable landmarks, as well as its diverse community and good transport links, Balham is a great place to live, work, or visit. Whether you are interested in its history and culture or want to enjoy its shops, restaurants, and pubs, Balham has something for everyone.

If you live in Balham or are looking to move there and looking for a professional team to help you with your home renovation or painting your home get in touch today!