The rich history of the borough will be explored in the Wandsworth Heritage Festival, which kicks off later this month.

A series of locally held talks and events will tell the story of the towns and villages which make up the borough. They will provide an opportunity for the local groups and societies that document and protect Wandsworth’s heritage to showcase their work and recruit new members.

The festival will be launched on May 27 at 7pm with the unveiling of a Green Plaque at the site of the Biograph Cinema in Garratt Lane. The building, which now houses Wandsworth Town Library, was London’s first licensed cinema.

Festival highlights include an open day at Wandsworth Prison Museum, a Tooting Town Archive drop-in session and a free introduction to family history sources at Putney, Tooting and Wandsworth Town libraries.

There are also a string of local history walks, displays and lectures at venues around the borough.

Wandsworth Council’s Heritage Service houses the local history and archives collection and is located on the first floor of Battersea Library. The search room is open seven days a week, and staff are on hand to help with enquiries on local and family history.

A wide range of material is available, including books and local newspapers on microfilm, maps, original archives and photographs.  For more information call (020) 8871 7753 or email heritage@wandsworth.gov.uk

The Star & Garter

May 20, 2010