Carpet Cleaning Mortlake SW14

The name Mortlake comes from Mortelaga or Mortelage. There are two theories concerning the origin of the name. One says that it comes from the Anglo-Saxon words “lacu” which means lake/stream/water and “mort” which means salmon, so the name translates to salmon stream. The other theory derives the name from the proper name Morta and “lag” which means meadow. In this case, Mortlake’s name comes from Morta’s meadow. The Domesday Book records this settlement. Archbishop Lanfranc of Canterbury owned the area at that time. During the reign of King Henry VIII, Mortlake became a possession of the Crown.

The area is famous for the Mortlake Tapestry Works. The weavers were highly skilled and especially good at depicting natural textures, such as flesh and water, for example. The works were established during the reign of King James I in the 17th century. Sir Francis Crane managed the works. Skilled Flemish weavers were brought from Belgium to work here. The products can be found in many museums, including Musee Labenche in France. The size of Mortlake diminished in 1637 when King Charles I built Richmond Park.

The annual rowing race between the Oxford and Cambridge University Boat Clubs has had its finish point in Mortlake. The spot is marked by the University Boat Race stone. John Dee is one of the most famous residents of this SW14 area. The astronomer, mathematician, alchemist, and astrologist is best known for being the adviser to Queen Elizabeth I. It was on his estate that the tapestry works were first established. Christopher Packe lived here in the 17th century. He was Lord Mayor of London. Astrologer John Partridge is another historical figure who lived here. Explorer Sir Richard Burton rests in a tomb at St Mary Magdalen’s church. Classical singer Katherine Jenkins and casting director Pippa Ailion are contemporary residents of this South West London area.