Sutton residents to learn local history from new plaque

People seeking or occupying flats to rent in Sutton will be able to learn more about the history of the area following the unveiling of a new plaque in Trinity Square.

The informative ornamental tablet is an accompaniment to a historical mosaic that has been in place opposite Waterstone's since 1994, which presents 19 detailed panels chronicling different aspects of Sutton's background.

Commissioned from artists Rob Turner and Gary Drostle, it has proven a popular fixture of the high street in the last two decades, but casual observers would not necessarily have known the story behind each image without explanation.

The new plaque rectifies this by offering information on what each panel means, chronicling the history of the personages and locations featured on the mosaic.

Among the images featured on the mosaic are depictions of the region's many heritage buildings, including Honeywood Museum, Carshalton Church, Whitehall and The Cock Inn, while other sections are dedicated to historic local trades such as the iron railway and Wandle mill.

At the centre of the mosaic is a rendering of Nonsuch Palace, which was once occupied by Henry VIII, while surrounding it are heraldic creatures representing the coats of arms of prominent local families.

Graham Tope, executive member for community safety, leisure and libraries, said this will help non-historians to gain a deeper understanding of the mosaic and of local heritage.

"I hope this plaque will encourage people to take a look and for those already familiar with the mosaic, I hope it will help them to appreciate it even more," he added.

Sutton is a destination that is dedicated to the preservation of history, with the Circle Library hosting an exhibition showcasing local First World War heroes this month, while the Sutton Central Library is celebrating the development of black culture in Britain.

Posted by Ben Carter

Published 29th November, 2011

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