The guide includes six different walks through the area that introduce the reader to a wide range of buildings, monuments and local landmarks.

These include the splendid 18th century manor houses built by the rich to escape the squalor of London , the various buildings of Roehampton University , Queen Mary's Hospital, Wandsworth's only thatched house and the Kings Head pub, as well as more contemporary architecture such as the Alton Estate and the National Tennis Centre.

Four prime ministers have lived in Roehampton, including William Pitt the Younger, as well as other famous people including poet Gerard Manley Hopkins and actors Dennis Waterman, Emily Blunt, Margaret Lockwood, Vivienne Leigh and Sean Connery.

The guide was produced by the council's Economic Development Office, working with the Library and Heritage Service.

It was launched by Cllr James Cousins (pictured), Cabinet Member for Business and Economic Development, at Roehampton Library. He said:
"The Heritage Guide reminds us what a fascinating place Roehampton is, a shared heritage which visitors can enjoy and which residents can rightly celebrate. It also shows just how much Roehampton has changed over the last 250 years with fine examples of architecture and monuments from the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries. The Council is keen to work with local people in the ongoing regeneration of the area - developing the heritage of the 21st century which can sit alongside its predecessors."

The launch coincides with Roehampton Reflections, an exhibition of photos from local people and participants in photo workshops organised by the Wandsworth Older People's Forum during summer 2011. The exhibition will be on show at Roehampton Library until 9th January.

The Roehampton Heritage Guide is free and copies are available in Roehampton Library or from the Economic Development Office. Call (020) 8871 6884.

December 15, 2011