Wandsworth Historical Society
The archaeology and history of the Borough of Wandsworth
Battersea : Balham : Putney : Tooting : Wandsworth Town
Archaeology
The Wandsworth Historical Society has been involved in local archaeological excavations since 1962 following the discovery of some Roman burial urns in a back garden in Putney.
From the 1960s to late 1980s WHS was one the leading volunteer groups excavating in London, working mainly in the Borough but also involved with rescue digs in the City of London and elsewhere. It was a member of the Thames Basin Observers Group from 1959 to 1969, then formed for recording archaeology along the Thames but disbanded when many local groups were set up.
During the 1980s WHS renewed its campaign for a local museum and held a major three-week exhibition in 1983 showcasing the Borough's history. When Wandsworth Museum was eventually founded in 1986 the Society lent many objects for the displays, especially from its excavations, and gave much other support.
Nicholas Fuentes of the WHS founded the quarterly magazine the London Archaeologist in 1968, which is still published today.
WHS began foreshore surveys in August 1964, then called 'mud larks', and is still active in surveying and recording the Thames foreshore, so demonstrating the richness of foreshore archaeology and highlighting the need for surveys and recording. To discover more about an important find made in 1971, goto the Putney fish trap or weir.
Some photos from the early days
WHS Battersea Foreshore, probably early 1960s, with Don Pollock on the left.
Photo © Photographer not yet identified.
Putney Foreshore - WHS surveying the fish trap or weir in 1971.
Photo © Nick Farrant/Fuentes.
Felsham Road (FEL I) in September 1977, our largest excavation.
Photo © Nick Farrant/Fuentes.