Wm. Rollisson & sons, Springfield Nursery, Upper Tooting (c. 1780-1880)

摘要

I wonder if many of the present day residents of Hereward and Moffat Roads off the Upper Tooting Road in London have any idea of the horticultural significance of the area between the 1780s and 1880s? William Rollisson was born about 1765, but there is some difficulty in tracing exactly where. This is due to the flexibility of the spelling of names in the 18th century, and linking them with the baptismal records. The Jourual of Horticulture and Cottage Gardener, 31 August 1899, suggested that he started Springfield Nursery in Upper Tooting about 1780. However, this seems to be too early if one considers his birth date. Maybe he took over an existing nursery. The Rates Books (Wandsworth Council) 1803-1847, listed plots of land assessed to William Rollisson, although they do not indicate their exact location: 1803 1 plot assessed at pound 30. 1812 an additional plot assessed at pound 10 and let to tennant. 1820 several extra plots with a total value of pound 44 and let to several small-holders. 1839 a pound 10 plot indicated as a nursery garden. 1842 first joint entry for William and George Rollisson. 1847 still entered as joint assessment.