Merton Park, St Mary
Address: Church Path, Merton Park. SW19 3HJ
Map Ref: TQ252695
6 Bells • Tenor 7¼ cwt.
Sunday Service Ringing: 8.50 - 9.30 am & 5.50 - 6.30 pm
Practice: Monday 7.45 - 9.15 pm
Ground floor ringing at west end of church with entry directly through the west door, or north door prior to services.
This tower has its own web site.
History
Tower walls date back to 1115 and much of the frame of the building is 12th & 13th century. The bells were augmented to 6 in the 1970’s. The 5th is possibly the oldest regularly rung bell in Surrey, dating back to c.1450. Others date from 1621 (tenor), 1803 (4th) and 1897 (2nd and 3rd). The Church is known for its connections with Admiral Lord Nelson, Elizabeth Cook (wife of the circumnavigator) and Rear Admiral Isaac Smith (the first Englishman to land in Australia). It is at the centre of the John Innes Conservation Area, which was the first garden suburb developed by the horticulturist and property developer.
Transport
By Road: Approach the B285 (Dorset Road) from either end by the A24 or A238. Turn West into Melrose Road leading into Church Path with the Church on the left. Roadside parking is available in Church Lane and Church Path, (please do not obstruct fire access in Church Path), but is restricted between 10am and 4pm Monday-Friday (during these times use Eridge Road, south of the churchyard, where parking is not restricted).
By Bus: Routes 152, 163, 164 and K5, alight at Mostyn Road and then 5 minutes walk.
By Tram: Alight at Merton Park tramstop (zone 3) and 5 minutes walk.
By Train: Alight at Wimbledon Chase Thameslink station (zone 3) and 10 minutes walk.
Facilities
Toilet available in the church (no disabled toilet generally available).
The ringers frequent the Princess of Wales (Youngs) on Morden Road (adjacent to Morden Road tramlink stop (zone 4). There is also the Leather Bottle (Barras) near the Nelson Hospital on Kingston Road, and The White Hart close to Merton Park tramstop & level crossing, but no pubs etc. within the conservation area. Try central Wimbledon for a very wide variety of food and restaurants.