Barnes is the district of south-west London that lies on the very outskirts of outer London, just west of Putney. The area is named after a large manor house that once stood in the area.

Right up until the 19th century this part of outer London was a remote rural area several miles from London and largely cut off from other towns and villages. It wasn’t until the 1840s when first a major road, and then the railway, reached Barnes that the district began to be developed.

Like many parts of London, Barnes was quickly transformed into a busy residential area. But unlike many other districts, Barnes has managed to retain an open, “villagey” feel to it, most notable in the village green and pond, which have survived right up to today.