Collier’s Wood history

The name suggests this was a wood where charcoal was burnt for fuel.  The High Street is the original Roman Stane Street between London and Winchester, which was the capital in mediaeval times. The settlement probably relied on trade from travellers.  In the 18th century, a large country house and gardens was created for a London lawyer, Francis Barlow.  The garden was progressively sold off for development in the 19th century although the house itself was not replaced until the early 20th century.