Morden | |
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London Road, Morden |
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Morden shown within Greater London
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Population | 48,233 |
OS grid reference | TQ255685 |
London borough | |
Ceremonial county | Greater London |
Region | |
Country | England |
Sovereign state | United Kingdom |
Post town | MORDEN |
Postcode district | SM4 |
Dialling code | 020 |
Police | Metropolitan |
Fire | London |
Ambulance | London |
EU Parliament | London |
UK Parliament | |
London Assembly | |
Morden is a district in the London Borough of Merton, England, located around 8 miles (13 km) south-southwest of central London. Historically part of Surrey, it was absorbed into Greater London in 1965. Morden adjoins Merton Park and Wimbledon to the north, Mitcham to the east, Sutton to the south and Worcester Park to the west.
Morden had a population of 48,233 in 2011, including the wards of Cannon Hill, Lower Morden, Merton Park, Ravensbury and St Helier.
Morden's name may be derived from the Common Brittonic words Mawr (great or large) and Dun (fort), or possibly "The Town on the Moor".
Human activity in Morden dates back to the Iron age period when Celtic tribes are known to have occupied areas around Wimbledon, but the first significant development in Morden was the construction of the Roman road called Stane Street from Chichester to London.
The route of Stane Street through Morden followed the current A24, London Road up Stonecot Hill from the south west crossing Morden Park to the west of the current dual carriageway road and passing through the pitch and putt golf course and the grounds of St Lawrence's Church. The road then descended the other side of the hill towards the town centre passing west of the Underground station and crossing the north corner of Morden Hall Park heading in the direction of Colliers Wood and Tooting. Small Roman artifacts, mainly coins and pottery, have been found at various locations within the area although there is no evidence of any settlement.