Mordon Parish

"MORDON, (or Morden), a parish and post town in the second division of the hundred of Wallington, county Surrey, 1 mile S. of Mitcham, and 5 miles N.W. of Croydon. It is a station on the Wimbledon branch of the London and Brighton railway. The village, which is small and chiefly agricultural, is situated near the river Wandle and the Epsom road. There are two tobacco and snuff mills, which give employment to a portion of the inhabitants. About half the land is arable, and the remainder grass and garden ground. The manor belonged to Westminster Abbey prior to the Norman conquest. The tithes have been commuted for a rent-charge of £420.

The living is a rectory* in the diocese of Winchester, value £353. The church, dedicated to St. Lawrence, is a small brick structure erected in 1636, with an embattled tower containing three bells. The interior of the church has a large E. window of stained glass, the ancient part of which is said to have belonged to Merton Abbey, also tombs of the Garth family. The parochial charities produce about £44 per annum, including the bequests for education. There is a National school with an income from endowment of £30, also a Sunday-school partly endowed. Mordon Park is the principal residence.