Balham is a neighbourhood of South London in the London Boroughs of Wandsworth and Lambeth. The area was settled in Saxon times and went through its greatest development after the opening of Balham railway station in 1856. During the Second World War the Balham tube sheltered many people trying to escape the raids. Unfortunately a bomb fell in the station and killed 64 people. These unfortunate events are featured in the novel Atonement, by Ian McEwan. What you might not know of the Balham Station is it was opened by the name of Balham Hill. It was renamed to Balham in 1863 when it was relocated. It was remodelled to increase its capacity in 1890 and 1897. The station was renamed twice more – in 1927 to Balham and Upper Tooting, and in 1969 again to Balham.

One of the most famous landmarks of the area is the Grade II listed public house The Bedford, built in 1931 and designed by Alfred W. Blomfield. Now it is a pub venue for live music and comedy, which has won many awards, some of which the Morning Advertiser Pub of the Year 2004, the Publican Music Pub of the Year 2002, and the Evening Standard Pub of the Year 2002. If ever want your home to be as clean as the pub is, hire carpet cleaners in Balham.

Among the notable people who used to live, work or study in Balham are the stage, screen and radio comedian of pre- and post-war years Thomas Edward Trinder (known as Tommy Trinder), the property developer and television presenter, best known for presenting the Channel 4 property shows Double Your House for Half the Money, Help! My House is Falling Down, Sarah Beeny’s Selling Houses, etc. – Sarah Beeny, the fashion designer and businesswoman Dame Vivienne Westwood, the actress, singer and comedienne, and star of both cinema and music hall Dame Gracie Fields, the musician, impresario, visual artist, performer, clothes designer and boutique owner Malcolm McLaren.

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