The Commoners

– ABOUT THE BOOK-

The Wimbledon and Putney Commons have attracted a host of remarkable people over the last 500 years. Aristocrats, politicians, theologians, medics, activists, courtesans, bankers, property developers, even two French Dukes and a famous highwayman, not to mention visiting royalty, have contributed to the rich tapestry of the Commons’ past. This book profiles 31 ‘notable neighbours’ of the Commons, people who lived extraordinary lives around Wimbledon, Roehampton and Putney and helped shape the environment we enjoy today.

– ABOUT THE AUTHOR –

Nick Manning has worked in the advertising and media industry for over 45 years and continues as a consultant and commentator.  In what is sometimes ironically called his ‘spare time’, Nick writes books about the history of the Wimbledon, Putney and Roehampton area.

‘The Commoners’ was published in 2022 and now ‘Beautiful Buildings’ tells the story of our neighbourhood through its human structures, from the Iron Age to the present day. Both books are designed to showcase the fascinating stories of the people and places that have helped contribute to our heritage and environment in former times.

Nick works with publisher/photographer Andrew Wilson to co-create books that are aesthetically pleasing and can be dipped into from time to time. They also raise money for two important local charities: The Wimbledon and Putney Commons Conservators and the Wimbledon BookFest.

Nick and his family have lived in Putney for nearly 40 years, while he and his wife, Sarah, met 50 years ago at Sixth Form social events for Wimbledon College and Ursuline Convent pupils. They have three sons and four grandchildren.

Meanwhile, Nick is doing a Post-Graduate degree in Spanish and Latin American Studies at Birkbeck College, is passionate about France and Spain, supports Fulham, plays tennis, Padel and golf, and is obsessive about literature, art, film, theatre and other cultural pursuits, with the odd pub and restaurant visit thrown in.

Music of all kinds plays an important role in all of this, with regular trips to different parts of France to see an obscure rock band called Ange. No-one else seems interested. Nick’s annual music quiz is now a firm fixture on the social calendar for family and friends.