New lakes seem to appear after every downpour. But 200 years ago there was another lake on the Common, known as the Black Sea. This 'charming little spot' was frequented by Londoners seeking respite from their drab and overcrowded homes, especially at weekends - fishing, swimming, or just enjoying the tranquility.

But one summer's afternoon the tranquillity was disturbed when a young mother attempted to drown herself and her two small children. Amelia Alfrey had been cruelly abandoned by the father of her children. Her grief and distress sadly affected her mental health and she spent 3 months in the Garrett Lunatic Asylum. Soon after her release Amelia's efforts to rebuild her life were shattered by a 'most heartless' letter from her erstwhile partner, driving her to attempt suicide with her children.

Meanwhile, when the railway cut off the lake’s feeder stream, the windmill was built to keep it full, until the lake was filled to build Spencer Park, a quid pro guo for Earl Spencer ceding his rights over the Common in 1871

More details of these and all 150 stories in our forthcoming book ‘The Wandsworth Common Story’. Happily there are many more cheerful tales! Look out for it in May.