South London, particularly areas like Banstead, Carshalton, and Mitcham, was once the heart of the English lavender industry, thriving until the 19th century. Lavender began cultivation in the 18th century by William Sprules, whose daughter Sarah created a lavender essence utilized by Queen Victoria. By the Victorian era, there were over 1,000 acres of lavender fields in the Mitcham area, often referred to as Mitcham Lavender. English lavender was more valuable than French, and the significance of these fields influenced local geography, exemplified by Battersea's Lavender Hill.
In the 19th century, English lavender fetched a much higher price than its French counterpart, often selling for 16 times more, being deemed the purest in the world.
Once, South London areas like Banstead and Carshalton were abundant with lavender fields, becoming prominent in the English lavender industry during the Victorian era.
William Sprules initially cultivated lavender in the 18th century, with his daughter Sarah later taking over and creating a lavender essence used by Queen Victoria.
At its peak, there were over 1,000 acres of lavender fields in the Mitcham area, often referred to as Mitcham Lavender, dominating global production.
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