Mitcham is located on the fast-flowing River Wandle. It attracted a lot of industries, many requiring water power. Bleaching, dying and fabric printing, along with mills producing tobacco, paper, gunpowder and leather were prominent. It became a victim of its own success with too many mills and a falling water level resulting in a drought. The Mitcham obelisk thanks God for its relief, but the sinking of a new well almost certainly helped.
Credit for this entry to: Alan Patient of www.plaquesoflondon.co.uk
