The name Merton dates from the 10th Century, and means ’farmstead by the pool’.
The road formed the western boundary of the 160 acre Merton Place estate. In 1801, Horatio Nelson separated from his wife Fanny. His mistress, Emma, Lady Hamilton found Merton Place situated next to the Wandle River. Lord Nelson paid £9000 for it in 1803.
After his death, Nelson left Merton and its contents to Emma, but within three years, her mounting debts caused her to sell it.
After standing empty for many years, the estate was eventually auctioned ’into lots adequate for detached villas’ in 1823. It was finally pulled down in 1846 – no attempt was made to save it for the nation.
Merton Road became a mix of residential and commercial.
Just after the dawn of the 20th century, Wimbledon entertainment venues were lining Merton Road: the Apollo Electric Theatre (the first cinema in the area), the Wimbledon Theatre and King’s Palace Theatre.
