Historic Carshalton deeds return to Sutton thanks to generosity of local historical society

Members of the Carshalton and District History and Archaeology Society (CADHAS) inspect the borough deeds they helped purchase with borough archivist Kath Shawcross (far left) at the Sutton Archive in Central Library.

More than 60 rare historical deeds documenting 100 years of Sutton history have returned to the borough thanks to the generosity of the Carshalton and District History and Archaeology Society (CADHAS).

CADHAS funded three-quarters of the cost of the 64 deeds, which cover more than 100 years of the Barrow Hedges Estate in Carshalton in the 18th and 19th centuries, to enable Sutton Archives to afford the purchase cost of £500. The deeds were sold to Sutton Archives by a private dealer.

Before this acquisition the Archive had only nine deeds of the Barrow Hedges Estate in its possession.

Kath Shawcross, Borough archivist at Sutton Council, said:

“A few months ago we were offered the deeds for purchase by an historian looking to sell the documents. We want to thank CADFAS for their generously funding of three-quarters of the £500 price to enable us to purchase the documents for the borough.

“The 64 deeds will really help us understand the development of the Barrow Hedges Estate area south of Carshalton Road. The earliest deed we have is 1783 and the most recent 1928.

“We only had nine deeds in our possession before, so this additional purchase is of immense value and will enable us to learn more about the history of the borough. Without the generous assistance of CADHAS we would have been able to bring these precious documents back to Sutton.”

CADHAS members have visited the library to view the deeds.

Richard Fitch, CADHAS Secretary, said:

“We are delighted to assist Sutton Archive with the purchase of these fascinating historical documents and bring them back to the borough. We are pleased to do our part in bringing back these deeds to the borough as they will enable us to learn more of Sutton’s history.

“The deeds will be kept safely in the library and made available to anyone who wants to view them. It’s great to bring some of Sutton’s heritage back home.”

Cllr Jill Whitehead, Chair of the Environment and Neighbourhood Committee at Sutton Council, said:

“We want to thank CADHAS for their generous financial gift that has enabled us to bring together more of Sutton’s history under one roof. These deeds will prove invaluable to historians or anyone in the borough wanting to learn more about life in Carshalton more than 200 years ago.”

The documents can be viewed by appointment in Sutton Central Library by telephoning Sutton Archives on 020 8770 4747.

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