Clapham has a particularly rich history. Local resident Michael Green traces the development of the area from prehistoric times down to the 18th century, when it was engulfed by London. Individual chapters cover prehistoric beginnings, Roman occupation, thriving Saxon, Norman and medieval settlements, growth in the 17th century, and the great change in the character of the place when the great mansion of Clapham Place was erected, to be followed in the 18th century by many others in the locality. This is the first history of Clapham to draw on archeology and original documents.