No one knows how some of the records from Sutton’s archives went missing maybe more than 100 years ago, but thanks to the generosity of the local history community, Sutton Council has been able to buy them back.

The records about Carshalton, purchased by the London Borough of Sutton Archives Service from Bloomsbury Auctions in central London last year, were revealed to about 25 local history buffs yesterday, Thursday 16 April at Sutton Central Library.

The purchase of the records was mainly funded by The Friends of National Libraries, but the local history community kindly stepped in to fill the gap.

The Carshalton & District History & Archaeology Society agreed to fund the 20 per cent difference and some local historians came forward offering to anonymously donate £100 each if there was any shortfall.

Margaret Coombs, The Carshalton & District History & Archaeology Society President, said:

“Our mandate is to respect and enhance the history of the district – it’s our reason for being, so we were more than happy to support the service in purchasing these records. However, I have been surprised at the interest they have generated – there are certainly more people here today than I expected. Hopefully some people may be inspired to visit the archives again.”

Kath Shawcross, Borough Archivist & Local Studies Manager at Sutton Council, said:

“I am delighted that the local history community has banded together to help us add these very valuable records to the Sutton collection. Not only are these records fascinating, but they will allow the history of the borough to be preserved in a more complete form for generations to come.”

The three lots included:

• Court Baron for Carshalton dating from 1682 to 1833. No one knows when these records went missing, but it may have been at least 50 years ago during which time the court records were in the hands of a predecessor authority. As the manorial records held for Carshalton date from 1346 to 1936, one of the most extensive and important collections in the Sutton archives, obtaining this volume was a priority.
• The minutes of the Churchwardens and Overseers of the Poor in Carshalton, 1691 to 1746. The volume contains a great deal of account information, including details of those in receipt of parish relief. The existence of these records was known due to a 1913 article in Surrey Archaeological Collections, which, at the time, described it as being “in private hands”, so it was exciting to purchase them against strong competition from a telephone buyer.
• A thin volume containing a valuation of the Parish of Carshalton, 1839, made for the purposes of the Parochial Assessment Act of 1839 by John Foakes and William Roberts. The volume very much complements the existing Carshalton tithe and rate book collection and is out-of-the-ordinary in including all rateable properties, not just largely agricultural land. It includes owners, occupiers and descriptions of properties. Unfortunately, the map that would have accompanied the valuation is missing.

The documents have been accessioned into the archive collection (Accession 914) and are available to researchers during local studies opening times.