The early years

The growing and distilling of lavender (Lavendula vera) was an important industry for many years. The area around Mitcham was well known for lavender from the 1500 hundreds. In its heyday during the 19th century the area around Mitcham, Wallington, Carshalton and Sutton must have been a sea of blue in the summer. This idyllic image was not reflected in the working conditions of the harvesters many of whom were paid very little to work 14 hours a day. Ten to fifteen shillings (50p to 75p) a week near London, and as little as 8s ( 40p ) further south. Many only survived because of the charity of some of the wealthier landowners of the community.

Harvest

The lavender was harvested in August when the oil was at its best. The women would cut the lavender and bundle it loosely in 'mats' which were carried to the still-room. Where the lavender was distilled, the resulting oil was used as the basis for the lavender perfume.

Moore paid one guinea (£1.10) an acre for cutting and sold the oil at forty shillings (£2.00) a pound.

Lavender Harvest

(Credit Unknown)

Hackbridge Still

(Credit Unknown)