Clapham Common

This large expanse of green is the heart of the Clapham neighbourhood. Mentioned both by Graham Greene in his novel The End of the Affair and Ian McEwan in his brilliant Atonement, it’s now a venue for many outdoor summer events. The main thoroughfare, Clapham High St, starts at the common’s northeastern edge and is lined with many of the bars, restaurants and shops for which people principally come to Clapham. However, for a simple stroll it’s much more pleasant to explore the more upmarket streets of Clapham Old Town, a short distance northwest of the tube station, and Clapham Common North Side at the common’s northwesternmost edge. On the corner of Clapham Park Rd and Clapham Common South Side you’ll find the Holy Trinity Church (1776). This was home to the Clapham Sect, a group of wealthy evangelical Christians that included William Wilberforce, a leading antislavery campaigner, active between 1790 and 1830. The sect also campaigned against child labour and for prison reform.