About Mortlake in London

Mortlake is a town in Greater London, on the south bank of the River Thames. It is in the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames, and was historically part of Surrey. It is 6.3 miles (10.1 km) west southwest of Charing Cross. Mortlake has a long history dating back to Anglo-Saxon times, when it was known as Mortlac and was an important crossing point of the River Thames. The name comes from the Old English 'mort' meaning dead, and 'lacu' meaning lake or pool, referring to the stagnant waters of the river. In the Domesday Book of 1086, Mortlac was recorded as being held by Westminster Abbey. The Abbey held the manor for many centuries until it was bought by Sir Richard Weston in 1543. Weston then sold it on to Sir Thomas Cawarden, who greatly enlarged the house. Cawarden was a courtier of Henry VIII and Edward VI, and it is said that he built the house at Mortlake in order to be close to the royal palace at Richmond. The house was enlarged again in 1619 by Sir Edward Coke, who also added a library and laboratory to the building.

Mortlake remained in private hands until it was bought by the Borough of Richmond in 1925. The property was then used as a hospital and nursing home until it was closed in 1986. The site is now being redeveloped for housing.

Mortlake has always been a popular place to live, due to its close proximity to London and its beautiful riverside setting. It has a village feel, with a number of independent shops and businesses, as well as good schools and transport links. There are a number of open spaces in Mortlake, including Mortlake Green, which hosts a popular farmers' market every month. The River Thames is also a big draw for residents and visitors alike, with its many walks, boat trips and fishing opportunities.