Battersea is a residential inner-city
district of South London. Two main railway lines of London Underground, opened
in the 21st century, cross the area. There are many
architecturally-acclaimed riversides, park sides and typical London homes in
Battersea.
The Battersea Power Station is a
decommissioned coal-fired power station. It has become an iconic structure,
being featured in many films, video games and music videos. In 2007 it was used
as filming location for the Batman movie, The
Dark Knight. This is the favourite movie to some local Battersea carpet cleaners. Since the station closed numerous proposals and attempts to redevelop
the site occurred. In 2012 the site was sold. Redevelopment is in process. It
is hoped to bring about the extension of the existing riverside walk and to facilitate
access from the Power Station to Battersea Park and Chelsea Bridge.
Battersea Arts Centre is a Grade II listed
building, operating as a performance space specializing in theatre productions.
The building is designed by E. W. Mountford in 1891. Since 1991 the Battersea
Arts Centre hosts the three-day-long Battersea Beer Festival.
Wandsworth Bridge crosses the river Thames.
The first bridge was built in 1873 by Julian Tolme and recommended for
replacement in 1926 due to the need of buses to pass. The bridge was demolished
in 1937 and the bridge designed by Sir Pierson Frank was opened in 1940. The
bridge carries 50,000 vehicles daily and is one of the biggest bridges in
London.
St Mary’s Church, which is now in the
diocese of Southwark, is in Battersea. It is located on one of the earliest
known consecrated sites on the south bank of the river Thames. It was built
somewhere about 800 AD. The present building was designed by Joseph Dixon and
built in 1777.
An interesting fact about Battersea Park is
before, in 19th century, the park was known as Battersea fields and
was a popular place for duelling.