Wimbledon - the name mellifluous all tennis fans. At the same time it is a very peculiar area of ​​south-west London, which is divided into "town" and "countryside".

Wimbledon for the first time mentioned in the charter of King Edgar Peace (967 year). The local manor house belonged to the Crown series, the many owners who have had one thing in common - they all belonged to the brilliant British nobility. For centuries, the peasants here went hand in hand, to know and wealthy merchants.

The revolution in the life of a quiet town occurred in 1838, when it hosted the South-Western Railway. Part of the land to the owner of the Duke of Somerset sold for development villas and townhouses. The population is now growing rapidly, in 1876 opened the first store, in 1887 - the library. In 1894, Wimbledon has become a city district with an elected council.

During World War II many of the houses here were destroyed by bombing, after the war, they were replaced by multi-family housing. Wimbledon gained the modern look. Today it is a rich suburb, where the neighborhood are modern small homes and Victorian mansions. But this - in the part known as the "city". Around the High Street is the area, which is considered the "village": it really kept the features of a medieval English village - two-story red brick houses, pubs, front gardens. But real estate in this "village" - one of the most expensive in London.

The paradox is quite understandable: a "village" adjacent Reserve Wimbledon Common - gorgeous huge wasteland with mixed forests, pristine ponds and marshes. 460 acres of unspoiled nature with the natural flora and fauna are in London! Londoners are passionate dog lovers believe the best place for dogs. Tourists are also gathered here for a walk, it is worth remembering the marshes, ditches and brambles, and dress appropriately.

Wimbledon brought international fame sports. In 1877, it hosted the first championship of lawn tennis. Today, Wimbledon Championships - the most prestigious tennis tournament in the world. At Wimbledon stadium competitions in speedway, greyhound racing, car racing.

Center cultural district - New Wimbledon Theatre, which opened in 1910. Its dome is decorated with a gilded statue of the Roman goddess of fun Leticia. During World War II statue temporarily removed - it was too good guide for Nazi bombers. Wimbledon is in this sense an attractive place: it is on the local heath fell the sixth round with the Martians during their invasion described in HG Wells' War of the Worlds. "