View source for Sutton, London

{{Short description|Town in London, England}}
{{about||the wider borough|London Borough of Sutton|the place formerly in Middlesex|Heston}}
{{Use British English|date=September 2015}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2021}}
{{Infobox UK place
| official_name = Sutton
| static_image_name = {{Photomontage
  |photo1a = Sutton Barclay's Bank building on crossroads.jpg
  |photo2a = Sutton collage (4).jpg
  |spacing=2
  |size = 286
  |color = 
  |foot_montage = From top, left to right: [[Barclays Bank building, Sutton|The Barclays Bank Building]]; Thomas Wall Centre and clock; [[Trinity Church, Sutton|Trinity Church]] spire; old inn sign above town centre crossroads; multicoloured facades in [[Sutton High Street]]
}}
| coordinates = {{coord|51.3656|-0.1963|display=inline,title}}
| population = 58,880
| population_ref = ([[2021 United Kingdom census|2021]])<ref>{{cite web |title=Sutton Polulation change Census 2021 |url=https://www.ons.gov.uk/visualisations/censuspopulationchange/E09000029/ |url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220628162808/https://www.ons.gov.uk/visualisations/censuspopulationchange/E09000029/ |archive-date=28 June 2022 |access-date=21 October 2023}}</ref>
| os_grid_reference = TQ255645
| charingX_distance_mi = 10
| charingX_direction = NNE
| london_borough = Sutton
| region = London
| country = England
| post_town = SUTTON
| postcode_area = SM
| postcode_district = SM1, SM2, SM3 and SM4 (partly)
| dial_code = 020
| constituency_westminster = [[Sutton and Cheam (UK Parliament constituency)|Sutton and Cheam]]
}}

'''Sutton''' is a town in the [[London Borough of Sutton]] in [[South London]], England. It is the administrative headquarters of the [[Outer London]] borough, on the lower slopes of the [[North Downs]]. It is {{convert|10|mi}} south-southwest of [[Charing Cross]], one of the fourteen metropolitan centres in the [[London Plan]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Sutton {{!}} London, England History & Facts {{!}} Britannica |url=https://www.britannica.com/place/Sutton-borough-London |access-date=2024-12-19 |website=www.britannica.com |language=en}}</ref>

An ancient parish originally in the county of [[Surrey]], Sutton is recorded in the ''[[Domesday Book]]'' of 1086 as having two churches and about 30 houses. Its location on the London to Brighton turnpike from 1755 led to the opening of [[Coaching inn|coaching inns]], spurring its growth as a village. When it was connected to [[central London]] by rail in 1847, it began to grow into a town, and it expanded further in the 20th century. It became a [[Municipal Borough of Sutton and Cheam|municipal borough]] with [[Cheam]] in 1934, and became part of [[Greater London]] in 1965.<ref name="Visions of Britain">[http://www.visionofbritain.org.uk/unit/10147517 Visions of Britain]</ref>

Sutton has the largest library in the borough, several works of [[List of public art in Sutton|public art]] and four [[Conservation areas in Sutton, London|conservation areas]]. It is home to several large international companies and the sixth most important shopping area in London, centred on [[Sutton High Street]]. [[Sutton railway station (London)|Sutton railway station]] is the largest station in the borough, offering frequent services by [[Southern (Govia Thameslink Railway)|Southern]] and [[Thameslink|Govia Thameslink]] to [[Central London]] and other destinations, including [[Wimbledon, London|Wimbledon]] and [[St Albans]]. It is home to the [[The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust|Royal Marsden Hospital]] and the [[Institute of Cancer Research]].

Future plans for Sutton as of 2024 include creating the world's second largest cancer research campus<ref>{{Cite web |title=London Borough of Sutton selects Aviva and Socius to deliver world leading cancer and research district |url=https://www.sutton.gov.uk/w/london-borough-of-sutton-selects-aviva-and-socius-to-deliver-world-leading-cancer-and-research-district |access-date=2024-07-21 |website=suttontowncentre.sutton.gov.uk}}</ref> and improving connectivity to [[central London]] and the [[London Underground]] through the [[Sutton Link]] tram project (currently awaiting funding).<ref>{{Cite web |title=Plan to extend Croydon tram network to link Sutton and Merton moves a step closer |url=https://www.mylondon.news/news/south-london-news/plan-extend-croydon-tram-network-17764833 |access-date=2024-07-26 |website=mylondon}}</ref>

==Geography==

===Geology, soil and elevations===
Sutton is one of several towns located on a narrow bed of [[Thanet Sands]] which extends from [[Croydon]] in the east, to [[Epsom]] in the west. To the south of this belt is [[chalk]] of the North Downs, and to the north is [[clay]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.british-history.ac.uk/london-environs/vol1/pp492-496|title=Daniel Lysons, 'Sutton', in The Environs of London: Volume 1, County of Surrey (London, 1792), pp. 492–496. British History Online.|access-date=3 January 2017}}</ref> The belt of Thanet sands allowed wells to provide clean water, and this attracted settlements from a very early date. The Sutton and Cheam Water Company began operations in 1864, and by 1900 had built 142 miles of mains. The company merged with the East Surrey Water Company in 1996 to form [[Sutton and East Surrey Water]].<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.waterplc.com/pages/about/a-brief-history/ |title=Sutton and East Surrey Water - A brief history |access-date=8 August 2014 |archive-date=16 September 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160916225405/http://www.waterplc.com/pages/about/a-brief-history/ |url-status=dead }}</ref>

Elevations in and around the town range from {{convert|115|m}} [[Above Ordnance Datum|AOD]] in [[Belmont, Sutton|Belmont]] to {{convert|23|m}} in [[Sutton Common]], at the start of the [[Pyl Brook]] stream.

===Location===
Sutton has formed part of [[Greater London]] since 1965.<ref name="Visions of Britain"/> The town is often referred to as "Sutton", "Sutton, London", or "Sutton, Surrey" for mailing addresses. [[Surrey]] was the former Postal County and remains the historic or traditional county in which Sutton lies. This is because [[Greater London]] was formally created in 1965, and county boundaries were changed in 1974. However, the [[General Post Office]] had already established an independent system for defining the UK's Postcode Areas to ensure efficient mail sorting. [[Royal Mail]]'s Flexible Addressing policy allows for these variations. If Sutton were to join the [[London postal district]], it would fall under the [[SW postcode area]] and be one of the following: SW21, SW22, or SW23.<ref name="successfulsutton" /><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.mylondon.news/news/east-london-news/royal-mail-postcodes-london-areas-18635142 |title=Royal Mail postcodes for London areas |access-date=29 August 2024}}</ref> There is another, much smaller [[Sutton Abinger|Sutton in Surrey]], near [[Dorking]].<ref name="b"/> Sutton mainline railway station is known as "Sutton (London)" by [[Southern (Govia Thameslink Railway)]].<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.southernrailway.com/your-journey/station-information/SUO/ |title=Southern Railway Ltd |access-date=2 October 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141006131342/http://www.southernrailway.com/your-journey/station-information/SUO/ |archive-date=6 October 2014 |url-status=dead}}</ref>

Its location is approximately {{convert|10|mi}} southwest of [[Charing Cross|Charing Cross, London]] and {{convert|11|mi}} south of the [[City of London]], placing it within easy reach of [[Central London]]. Sutton is also approximately {{convert|4.2|mi}} west of [[Croydon|Croydon, London]], {{convert|3.8|mi}} north-east of [[Epsom|Epsom, Surrey]], and {{convert|5.8|mi}} south-east of [[Kingston upon Thames|Kingston upon Thames, London]].
{{clear}}

===Green spaces===
In addition to the St Nicholas church grounds, there are two areas of green space within the town centre, Sutton Green and Manor Park.
[[File:Sutton Green greens 13-04-12..jpg|thumb|300px|left|Sutton Green in the Spring, seen from above]]
[[File:Manor Park fountain Sutton 2.jpg|thumb|left|Fountain, Manor Park]]
Sutton Green is at the northern end of Sutton High Street, near [[All Saints Church, Benhilton|All Saints Church]]. It is bordered by a row of detached Victorian villas to the west, the High Street to the east and Bushey Road to the south. The green dates from 1810, when it was awarded to the residents of Sutton under the Sutton Common Enclosure Award. Victoria Gardens, a smaller area of green space which once included a pond, lies across the road from Sutton Green.<ref>{{cite book|first=Frank|last=Burgess|title=Sutton – A Pictorial History|year=1993|publisher=Phillimore & Co Ltd|isbn=0-85033-855-7}}</ref>

{{main|Benhilton}}

To the north of Sutton Green are Rose Hill Park East and Rose Hill Park West, to the east and west respectively of the main thoroughfare Angel Hill/Rosehill. Rose Hill Park East contains Greenshaw Woods, for which [[Greenshaw High School]] is named.

{{main|Manor Park, Sutton}}

Manor Park lies opposite the police station. It was opened by the chairman of the then Sutton Urban District Council in 1914, and its fountain was added in 1924–1925. A plaque on the pool surround states: "This fountain was presented to the town by Councillor Chas Yates Chairman of Sutton U.D.C.1924–25"<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.geograph.org.uk/reuse.php?id=4003705|title=Geograph website|publisher=Geograph.org|access-date=17 October 2014}}</ref>

The park is the site of the Sutton War Memorial, which was unveiled in 1921 by Sir Ralph Forster, a resident whose son had died in the war.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/3015133|title=Geograph website|publisher=Geograph.org|access-date=17 October 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.londongardensonline.org.uk/gardens-online-record.asp?ID=SUT030|title=London Gardens Online|publisher=London Parks and Gardens Trust|access-date=22 September 2015|archive-date=8 December 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151208120115/http://www.londongardensonline.org.uk/gardens-online-record.asp?ID=SUT030|url-status=dead}}</ref> The memorial, in [[portland stone]], consists of a large ornamental cross on a plinth.<ref name="World War One Cemeteries - Article">{{cite web|url=http://www.ww1cemeteries.com/british_cemeteries_memorials/sutton_wm.htm|title=World War One Cemeteries – Article|publisher=Ww1cemeteries.com|access-date=17 October 2014|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140518190555/http://www.ww1cemeteries.com/british_cemeteries_memorials/sutton_wm.htm|archive-date=18 May 2014}}</ref> 524 men who died in the First World War are commemorated on the memorial. There are four depictions of [[angel]]s on the plinth overlooking the park.<ref name="World War One Cemeteries - Article"/>

[[File:Sutton War Memorial, Manor Park, Sutton, Surrey, Greater London (21).jpg|thumb|left|Sutton War Memorial]]

The current Manor Park Café opened in October 2010. It is [[eco-friendly]] and has a range of environmental features, including its [[straw-bale construction]], giving the building a potential lifespan of over 200 years. It was designed by Amazonails Architectura, and constructed by a [[Equality feminism|mixed]] team of builders.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.sutton.gov.uk/index.aspx?articleid=10770|title=A new café made of straw!|publisher=London Borough of Sutton|access-date=14 May 2017|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://archive.today/20141019182118/https://www.sutton.gov.uk/index.aspx?articleid=10770|archive-date=19 October 2014}}</ref> It was London's first energy-efficient building to use this construction method.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.suttonguardian.co.uk/news/5001061.Three_little_pigs_and_a_straw_house____is_Sutton_becoming_a_fairytale_/|title=Three little pigs and a straw house – is Sutton becoming a fairytale?|work=Sutton Guardian|date=11 February 2010 |access-date=19 October 2014}}</ref>

{{main|Banstead Downs}}

In the south of Sutton starts Banstead Downs, which extends for around a mile south towards neighbouring [[Banstead]]. Banstead Downs is a large [[Site of Special Scientific Interest]], covering {{convert|430|acres}}. Banstead Golf Course is on the northern slopes.

'''Local Nature Reserves'''
Sutton contains two [[Local Nature Reserve]]s.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.lnr.naturalengland.org.uk/Special/lnr/lnr_results.asp?N=&C=17&Submit=Search|publisher=Natural England|title=Local Nature Reserves: Search results for Greater London|access-date=18 August 2014|archive-date=27 September 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130927113247/http://www.lnr.naturalengland.org.uk/special/lnr/lnr_results.asp?N=&C=17&Submit=Search|url-status=dead}}</ref>

*The [[Anton Crescent Wetland]] reserve has ponds, willow [[Carr (landform)|carr]] and reedbeds. It provides a habitat for birds such as the [[green sandpiper]] and [[common snipe]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.lnr.naturalengland.org.uk/Special/lnr/lnr_details.asp?C=0&N=&ID=1599|title=Natural England Anton Crescent Wetland|access-date=27 September 2015|archive-date=7 April 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140407094254/http://www.lnr.naturalengland.org.uk/Special/lnr/lnr_details.asp?C=0&N=&ID=1599|url-status=dead}}</ref>
*[[Devonshire Avenue Nature Area]] is a [[Site of Nature Conservation Interest|Site of Borough Importance for Nature Conservation]], Grade II. It is mainly neutral grassland. A notable species is the [[small blue|small blue butterfly]], which is rare in the borough.<ref>{{cite web|title=Natural England Devonshire Avenue Nature Area|url=http://www.lnr.naturalengland.org.uk/Special/lnr/lnr_details.asp?C=0&N=Devonshire%20Avenue%20Nature%20Area&ID=1068|access-date=27 September 2015|archive-date=4 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304053444/http://www.lnr.naturalengland.org.uk/Special/lnr/lnr_details.asp?C=0&N=Devonshire%20Avenue%20Nature%20Area&ID=1068|url-status=dead}}</ref>

{{Geographic location
|Northwest = [[North Cheam]], [[Worcester Park]]
|North     = [[Rose Hill, London|Rosehill]], [[Morden]]
|Northeast = [[Hackbridge]]
|West      = [[Cheam]]
|Centre    = Sutton
|East      = [[Carshalton]], [[Wallington, London|Wallington]]
|Southwest = [[Ewell]], [[Epsom]]
|South     = [[Belmont, Sutton|Belmont]], [[Banstead]]
|Southeast = [[Woodmansterne]], [[Coulsdon]]
}}

==History==
===Origin of the name===
The placename Sutton is recorded in the 1086 [[Domesday Book]] as ''Sudtone''. It is formed from [[Old English]] 'sūth' and 'tūn', meaning 'south farm'.<ref>{{cite book|last=Mills|first=D.|title=Oxford Dictionary of London Place Names|year=2000|publisher=Oxford}}</ref>

===Pre 1700===
Archaeological finds in the region date back thousands of years, including the excavation of a [[Ancient Rome|Roman]] villa in [[Beddington]]. An implement from the [[Neolithic]] age was found in Sutton town centre.<ref name="successfulsutton" /> The Roman road of [[Stane Street (Chichester)|Stane Street]] formed part of the northern boundary of the parish.

Sutton was recorded as Sudtone in a charter of [[Chertsey Abbey]] believed to date from the late 7th century, when the Manor was granted to the Abbot of Chertsey by Frithwald, Governor of Surrey. Some sources state the name as Suthtone or Sudtana.

[[File:Hans Holbein d. J. 059.jpg|thumb|left|Sir Nicholas Carew]]
The 1086 Domesday Book records Sutton as spanning about 800 acres, and having about 30 houses and 200 people.<ref name="Goodwins">{{cite book|first=Sara|last=Goodwins|title=Sutton Past and Present|year=2004|publisher=Sutton Publishing|isbn=0-7509-3424-7}}</ref> It states that the Abbot of Chertsey held the manor. In 1538 it was sold to [[Henry VIII of England|King Henry VIII]] and granted to [[Nicholas Carew (Tudor statesman)|Sir Nicholas Carew]] of Beddington. When Sir Nicholas was sentenced to death, the King seized the manor. Queen Mary restored it to Francis, son of Sir Nicholas. It later became a Crown possession again until [[Charles II of England|King Charles II]] granted it to the [[Duke of Portland]], who sold it in 1669. It changed hands regularly thereafter.<ref name="b">{{Cite web|url=https://www.bobulous.org.uk/misc/Sutton.html|title=Sutton, London Borough (formerly Surrey) — history and old photographs|website=bobulous.org.uk}}</ref>

[[File:The Cock Hotel (Rowlandson).jpg|thumb|left|The Cock Hotel in 1789.<ref name="SuttDoc">{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=May 2011 |title=Approved STC Crossroads Conservation Area |url=https://www.sutton.gov.uk/downloads/file/1607/approved_stc_crossroads_conservation_area |website=[[Sutton Council]]}}</ref>]]
From the time of Domesday until the 19th century, Sutton formed a parish in the [[Wallington (hundred)|Wallington hundred]] of Surrey in the [[feudal system]].<ref name="Youngs">{{cite book|first=Frederic|last=Youngs|title=Guide to the Local Administrative Units of England|volume=I: Southern England|year=1979|publisher=[[Royal Historical Society]]|location=London|isbn=0-901050-67-9}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.british-history.ac.uk/report.aspx?compid=43046 |title=The hundred of Wallington: Introduction and map|editor=H.E. Malden |work=A History of the County of Surrey: Volume 4|publisher=Institute of Historical Research|year=1912|access-date=27 November 2012}}</ref>

[[Jose Glover]], who was Rector of Sutton from 1628 to 1636, became a pioneer of printing in the English colonies of North America and one of the people instrumental in establishing [[Harvard College]] in the 1630s.<ref>{{cite book|author=Littlefield, George Emery|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=PVoYAAAAIAAJ&q=Jose+Glover |title=The Early Massachusetts Press, 1638-1711|publisher=Club of Odd Volumes|year=1907|page=26}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=tet-Tw9EXgoC&dq=Jose+Glover&pg=PA46|title=Life in the Colonies, Grades 4 - 7|author=Barden, Cindy| publisher=Mark Twain Mediapage= 46|year=2001|isbn=9781580371759}}</ref>

===1700 to 1900===

The road from London to [[Banstead Downs]], through Sutton, was a haven for highwaymen in the 18th century.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.timeandleisure.co.uk/articles/local/742-stand-and-deliver.html|title=Stand and Deliver!|last=Walford|first=Leslie|date=7 March 2011|website=Time & Leisure|access-date=27 December 2016|archive-date=7 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180707091343/https://www.timeandleisure.co.uk/articles/local/742-stand-and-deliver.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> In 1755, two [[turnpike trust|turnpike]] roads, which met at Sutton, were built: one from London to Brighton (Brighton Road), the other from Carshalton to Ewell (Cheam Road). The toll bars for the roads were originally located by the Cock Hotel, a [[coaching inn]] at the junction. The inn's sign straddled the Brighton road.<ref>{{citation |last=Harper |first=Charles George |title=The Brighton Road |url=http://www.public-library.uk/dailyebook/The%20Brighton%20road%20-%20the%20classic%20highway%20to%20the%20south%20(1922).pdf#page=173 |pages=157–159 |year=1922 |place=London |publisher=Cecil Palmer}}</ref>

The London to Brighton [[stagecoach]] began in 1760, and the Cock Hotel was the 9am stop for coaches leaving the city. Regular contact beyond the town brought expansion and sophistication. Small businesses opened up, at first related to travelers and later to provide goods for neighbouring areas.<ref name="Goodwins"/> The toll bars moved away from the junction as Sutton expanded, remaining in use until 1882.<ref name=b/>

[[File:SUTTON (Surrey), Greater London - Nightingale pub.jpg|thumb|left|The Nightingale pub (formerly the Jenny Lind)]]
[[Sutton railway station (London)|Sutton railway station]] was opened in 1847. Following the arrival of the new, fast link to central London, Sutton's population more than doubled between 1851 and 1861, and the village became a town. New housing was built in the Lind Road area, and called "New Town". A pub built in 1854 on the corner of Lind Road was named the [[Jenny Lind]], after the famous Swedish opera singer Johanna Maria Lind, who was visiting friends in the area in 1847 and enchanted locals with her singing. It has recently been renamed the Nightingale, also after the singer, who was known as the Swedish Nightingale.<ref name="Goodwins"/>

In about 1852 a residential school was built alongside the Sutton to Epsom Downs railway near Brighton Road. The building was designed by Edwin Nash and contained administrative, dining, dormitory and teaching areas. Boys were taught manual skills like shoemaking and metal working. Girls were taught such skills as needle work, laundry work, and ironing with a view to making them good servants, wives and mothers. Up to 1856, when large parts of it were destroyed by fire, the boys' and girls' sections were on the same site but after 1856 the girls' were moved into a new building on the other side of the railway in Banstead Road (now called Cotswold Road).<ref name="auto1">{{Cite web|url=http://www.workhouses.org.uk/SouthMetSD/|title=The South Metropolitan District School, Sutton, Surrey - a residential school for workhouse children.|website=workhouses.org.uk}}</ref>

Sutton Water Company was incorporated in 1863, and the provision of water mains allowed houses to be built outside the [[Thanet Sands]] area. The Lord of the Manor, Mr Thomas Alcock, sold land for housing, and Sutton's population more than doubled again between 1861 and 1871,<ref name=b/> spurred by the development of upmarket [[Benhilton]] in north Sutton.
[[File:Sutton Barclay's Bank building on crossroads.jpg|thumb|[[Barclays Bank building, Sutton|Bank at the historic crossroads]]]]
{{main|Benhilton}}
The High Street near the top was known as Cock Hill until the 1880s – the shops on the east side were built in 1880, ten years after those on the west side.<ref name="Jones">{{cite book|first=Jane E M|last=Jones|title=Sutton|year=2006|page=15|publisher=Nonsuch Publishing|isbn=1-84588-324-1}}</ref> The grand and decorative [[Barclays Bank building, Sutton|London and Provincial Bank building (now home to Barclays Bank)]] was built overlooking the historic crossroads in 1894. Designed in the [[French Renaissance architecture|French Renaissance]] architectural style, it is four storeys tall and forms a prominent local landmark. There is a series of arches at ground level, and an ornate entrance where the roads meet.<ref name="successfulsutton"/><ref name="SuttDoc"/><ref name="Local Plan">{{Cite web|url=https://www.sutton.gov.uk/info/200464/planning_policy/1339/local_plan_evidence_base/8|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20151003034028/https://www.sutton.gov.uk/info/200464/planning_policy/1339/local_plan_evidence_base/8|url-status=dead|title=Sutton Council Local Plan Evidence Base Sutton Town Centre high street crossroads conservation area|archivedate=3 October 2015}}</ref>

{{main|Barclays Bank building, Sutton}}

In 1884 [[Sutton High School (London)|Sutton High School for Girls]] was founded by the then Girls' Public Day School Trust.

In 1899 Sutton County Grammar School (now [[Sutton Grammar School for Boys]]) opened.

[[File:Sutton Masonic Hall, SUTTON, Surrey, Greater London.jpg|thumb|left|Sutton Masonic Hall]]
In 1897 Sutton [[Masonic Hall]] was built in Grove Road. [[Freemasons]] have met there since its foundation, apart during World War II when the military requisitioned it and it served as a shelter for displaced people.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.suttonmasonichall.org.uk/5.html|title=Sutton Masonic Hall website|access-date=9 September 2014|archive-date=10 September 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140910200017/http://www.suttonmasonichall.org.uk/5.html|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="SuttDoc"/>

In 1898 a new, larger Cock Hotel replaced the original one.<ref name="Skinner">{{cite book|first=Julia|last=Skinner|title=Did You Know? Sutton and Cheam – A Miscellany|year=2006|page=11|publisher=The Francis Frith Collection|isbn=978-1-84589-525-9}}</ref>

===20th century===
[[File:Xmas Show Week 1910.jpg|thumb|Sutton High St., Christmas, 1910]]
By 1901, the town's population had reached 17,223 as further housing was built and the High Street was developed.<ref>{{Cite web |last= |first= |title=Sutton: The railway makes a town |url=https://www.sutton.gov.uk/index.php |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://archive.today/20131126070651/https://www.sutton.gov.uk/index.aspx?articleid=1278 |archive-date=26 November 2013 |access-date=13 April 2021 |website=[[Sutton Council]]}}</ref>

In 1902 the Banstead Road site of the South Metropolitan [[Industrial Schools Act|Industrial school]] was bought by the Metropolitan Asylums Board. The site later became the Downs Schools and then the Downs Hospital. It is now shared between the [[Royal Marsden]] and Sutton Hospitals, the [[Institute of Cancer Research]], and the site of [https://www.sutton.gov.uk/info/200130/education_schools_and_nurseries/1516/sutton_school_expansion_programme/5 a new school] to be opened in 2019.<ref name="auto1"/>

[[File:Thomas Wall Centre clock lit up in the evening sun, SUTTON, Surrey, Greater London (4).jpg|thumb|left|The Thomas Wall Centre clock]]
The Sutton Adult School and Institute opened in 1910 in a large Edwardian building in Benhill Avenue. It later became the ''Thomas Wall Centre'',<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://thethomaswallcentre.co.uk/|title=Thomas Wall Centre|website=thethomaswallcentre.co.uk|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130516012216/http://thethomaswallcentre.co.uk/ |archive-date=16 May 2013 |url-status=dead}}</ref> named after the area's benefactor of [[Wall's (meat)|Wall's sausage]] and ice cream fame. Thomas Wall's lack of education led to a desire to encourage learning in others, resulting in the establishment of a trust and the construction of the institute. The adult school is said to have had the best premises in the UK: by 1915 there were social clubs, a library, clubs for maternity and horticulture, debating and [[temperance societies]], a legal advice committee, bible study and [[English literature]] classes, and what was claimed to be the finest public gymnasium in southern England.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://thethomaswallcentre.co.uk/index3.html/index-3.html|title=Our history|website=thethomaswallcentre.co.uk|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140226095300/http://thethomaswallcentre.co.uk/index3.html/index-3.html |archive-date=26 February 2014 |url-status=dead}}</ref>

During [[World War II]] bombing was not as heavy as in central London – 434 bombs in total were dropped on Sutton and Cheam, and the [[Commonwealth War Graves Commission]] lists 187 civilian casualties.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.yourlocalguardian.co.uk/news/10101365.internet-map-shows-wwii-nazi-bombs-fired-on-sutton-and-cheam/|title=Internet map shows WWII Nazi bombs fired on Sutton and Cheam|website=Your Local Guardian|date=12 December 2012 }}</ref>

In 1950, in order to widen the High Street, the Cock Hotel was demolished. However, the inn sign and its [[fingerpost]]s survive, overlooking the historic crossroads.<ref>{{cite book|last=Grant|first=Neal|title=Village London – Past and Present|date=April 2004|edition=2004|publisher=Bounty Books|pages=205, 213|isbn=0-7537-0840-X}}</ref> The sign and fingerposts were given [[Listed building|Grade II listed]] status by English Heritage on 18 April 2018.<ref>{{NHLE|num=1450261|desc=The Cock sign on Sutton High Street |access-date=24 December 2018}}</ref>

In 1959 a local resident, George Edgar Alcock, started a campaign to preserve a unique avenue of copper beech trees. This campaign led the same year to the formation of the Sutton and Cheam Society, a local amenity group. A plaque commemorating Mr Alcock's life is situated at the junction of Christchurch Park with Brighton Road.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://openplaques.org/plaques/10031|title=Plaque No. 10031 George Edgar Alcock|publisher=Open Plaques|access-date=21 October 2014}}</ref>

==Governance==
[[File:Sutton, Surrey, Greater London - Civic Offices.jpg|thumb|[[Sutton Civic Offices]], the headquarters of the London Borough of Sutton]]
Sutton came within the area of the [[Metropolitan Police District]] in 1840. The parish of Sutton adopted the [[Local Government Act 1858]] in 1882 and a [[Local board of health|local board]] was formed to govern the area. The [[Local Government Act 1894]] reformed it as [[Sutton Urban District]].

In 1928 the area of the urban district was expanded to include the parish of [[Cheam]], and renamed Sutton and Cheam. The town became a [[municipal borough]] in 1934, and the civil parishes were merged in 1949.<ref name="Youngs"/> The municipal borough was abolished in 1965 and its former area became part of the London Borough of Sutton in [[Greater London]].

For Westminster elections, Sutton is part of the [[Sutton and Cheam (UK Parliament constituency)|Sutton and Cheam]] constituency, formed in 1945. The [[Member of Parliament]] is [[Luke Taylor (politician)|Luke Taylor]], of the [[Liberal Democrats (UK)|Liberal Democrats]], and has been since the [[2024 United Kingdom general election|2024 General Election]].

On a local level, the [[London Borough of Sutton]] Council has been run by a [[Liberal Democrats (UK)|Liberal Democrat]] majority since 1990.

==Population and demography==
{| class="wikitable" align="left" style=font-size:90%;margin-right:20px;
|+'''Sutton (parish) population'''
|-
!align="center"| 1881
|align="center"| 10,334
|-
!align="center"| 1891
|align="center"| 13,977
|-
!align="center"| 1901
|align="center"| 17,223
|-
!align="center"| 1911
|align="center"| 21,270
|-
!align="center"| 1921
|align="center"| 21,063
|-
!align="center"| 1931
|align="center"| 27,989
|-
| colspan=2| Absorbed by<br />Sutton and Cheam parish [[Municipal Borough of Sutton and Cheam|►]]
|-
|style="font-size:smaller" colspan=2 align=center|source: [[Census#United Kingdom|UK census]]<ref>[http://www.visionofbritain.org.uk/data_cube_page.jsp?data_theme=T_POP&data_cube=N_TOT_POP&u_id=10147517&c_id=10001043&add=N Vision of Britain (historic studies website) data by settlement]</ref>
|}

Most of Sutton, including the town centre, falls under the [[SM postcode area|SM1 postcode]] area, though places south of Sutton railway station are part of SM2 instead, and the western part of [[Sutton Common]] is in SM3.

The population of the town was counted as 58,880 including the Sutton Central, Sutton South, Sutton North, Sutton West and Belmont Wards in the 2021 United Kingdom census, while the borough overall counted 209,639.
	
A majority of the town's population is in the middle class [[NRS social grade|ABC1 social group]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.nsdatabase.co.uk/locationDetail.CFM?locationid=1512|title=NS Database|access-date=6 February 2014|archive-date=21 February 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140221173811/http://www.nsdatabase.co.uk/locationDetail.CFM?locationid=1512|url-status=usurped}}</ref>

==Architecture==
[[File:Sutton Lodge, Brighton Rd, SUTTON, Surrey, Greater London (11).jpg|thumb|Sutton Lodge, the oldest surviving building in the parish of Sutton]]
[[File:SUTTON (Surrey), London - Costa.jpg|thumb|upright|left|Ornate architecture in Sutton High Street]]
Sutton is mainly the product of the railways, which arrived in the town in the mid-19th century. So, although it already existed (as a village with coaching inns) in the horse and carriage era, most of the town's earliest architecture is Victorian. {{Citation needed|date=October 2016}}A few buildings date from before the Victorian era. The mid-18th century [[Georgian architecture|Georgian]] ''Sutton Lodge'' on Brighton Road is thought to be the oldest fully surviving building in the former parish of Sutton. The lodge was initially the farmhouse of the former Sutton Farm. Later, the farmland around the lodge was sold off for house building.<ref>[http://friendsofhoneywood.co.uk/uploads/1/1/7/2/117222111/sutton_lodge.pdf Friends of Honeywood Museum]</ref> The lodge itself survived and was bought by Sutton Council, for use as a day centre.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.cadhas.org.uk/Documents/Publications/Sutton_Lodge/Sutton%20Lodge.pdf |title=The structural history of Sutton Lodge, Brighton Road, Sutton |access-date=25 May 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150525163626/http://www.cadhas.org.uk/Documents/Publications/Sutton_Lodge/Sutton%20Lodge.pdf |archive-date=25 May 2015 |url-status=dead}}</ref> During its early history it may have served as a hideaway for the future [[George IV of the United Kingdom|King George IV]] and his mistresses.<ref name="Goodwins"/><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://home2.btconnect.com/suttonlodge/history.php|title=Sutton Lodge Day Centre website|access-date=2 September 2014|archive-date=16 October 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141016190837/http://home2.btconnect.com/suttonlodge/history.php|url-status=dead}}</ref> The building is Grade II listed.<ref>{{NHLE|num=1065702 |access-date=14 February 2016}}</ref>

[[File:Sutton Police Station by night.jpg|thumb|Sutton's Edwardian Police Station]]
The High Street and the central area housing has a majority of [[Victorian architecture]]; [[Edwardian architecture]] is also represented, especially among the town's housing stock. Of architectural interest because of its particularly varied style is the Victorian residential quarter east of the high street known as Newtown, where no single developer was in overall charge.<ref name="Goodwins"/> The town features more recent architectural styles from the 1930s (including some [[art deco]] and moderne).

The most prominent examples of 21st century architecture include the Aspects and Lamborne apartment buildings and the new police station extension. Aspects was created out of a former office building; it was reclad in a terracotta colour and three additional floors were added at the top for penthouses. With a total of eighteen floors, it can be seen from across Sutton. By contrast, the Lamborne was newly built.

In 2003 the extension to Sutton Police Station was completed and officially opened the following year by Commissioner [[John Stevens, Baron Stevens of Kirkwhelpington|Sir John Stevens]]. The extension, which is far larger than the original Edwardian listed building to which it is attached, is used by Sutton CID, the criminal justice unit and the borough intelligence unit.<ref name="Goodwins"/>

===Conservation areas===
{{wide image|Sutton (Surrey), Greater London -- Barclays bank.jpg|600px|Intricate detailing on the pediment above the entrance to the Barclays Bank building in the Sutton town centre conservation area. <small>(Swipe to view full image in mobile view.)</small>}}

{{Main|Conservation areas in Sutton, London}}

There are four conservation areas in the town of Sutton (among several others within the wider borough of Sutton). One is in the town centre and the other three are residential. The areas are:

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|caption2=''Landseer Road Conservation Area'': ornate [[Edwardian architecture|Edwardian]] homes in Bridgefield Road (above); and Cheam Rd (below)
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*''The Sutton Town Centre High Street Crossroads Conservation Area'', which was designated in 2011 and is noted for the "vivid, Victorian, polychrome brick and stone façades" of the High Street buildings.<ref name="Rookledge">{{cite book|first=Gordon|last=Rookledge|title=Rookledge's Architectural Identifier of Conservation Areas – Sutton Edition|year=1999|publisher=Sarema Press (Publishers) Ltd|isbn=1-870758-05-6|page=30}}</ref>
*''The Landseer Road Conservation Area'' of grand, finely detailed, Edwardian villa houses.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://sutton.moderngov.co.uk/documents/s21850/Part%201.pdf|title= Borough Heritage Study}}{{dead link|date=August 2021}}</ref>
*''The Grove Avenue Conservation Area'' of mainly modernist houses.<ref name="Rookledge"/>
*''The Sutton Garden Suburb Conservation Area'', whose homes in the [[Arts and Crafts]] style contributed to the [[garden city movement]].<ref name="Appraisal">{{Cite web |url=https://www.sutton.gov.uk/download/downloads/id/1828/character_appraisal_-_document.pdf |title=Sutton Garden Suburb Conservation Area Character Appraisal |access-date=4 November 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161009000722/https://www.sutton.gov.uk/download/downloads/id/1828/character_appraisal_-_document.pdf |archive-date=9 October 2016 |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="Rookledge"/>

===Russettings===
''Russettings'' is a large house built in 1899 on a {{frac|3|4}}-acre plot at 25 Worcester Road. It was among the last of several similar upper-middle-class houses built in the vicinity. It was originally occupied by George Smith and his wife Mary, who was the sister of local benefactor [[Wall's (meat)|Thomas Wall]]. Smith had his initials GS put on the façade of the red-brick building, which was designed by [[Frederick Wheeler]] in an [[Arts and Crafts]] style.

Features include gabled roofs, large chimneys, bay windows, a green copper dome and a porch with a tiled roof and marble floor. With the newly formed London Borough of Sutton in 1965, the house became the Sutton [[Register Office]].<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://openhouselondon.org.uk/london/search/factsheet.asp?ftloh_id=17758 |title=Open House London |access-date=20 March 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304043024/http://www.openhouselondon.org.uk/london/search/factsheet.asp?ftloh_id=17758 |archive-date=4 March 2016 |url-status=dead}}</ref>

==Places of worship==
There are three churches in the town centre: Trinity Church and St Nicholas Church on St Nicholas Way and Sutton Baptist Church on Cheam Road.

Other churches in the town include All Saints Church in the north, St Barnabas in the east and Christ Church in the south (all Anglican); and two Roman Catholic churches, Our Lady of the Rosary to the east, and the Church of the Holy Family by Sutton Green. The [[Salvation Army]] have a centre in Benhill Avenue. Most recently, Hope Church Sutton was established in November 2015 and meets at Sutton Grammar School.

Sutton Synagogue is located on Cedar Road, south of the town centre.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.suttonsynagogue.org.uk/|title=Sutton Synagogue}}</ref>

===Trinity United Reformed and Methodist Church===
{{main|Trinity Church, Sutton}}
[[File:D61 0778 Trinity Church Sutton.jpg|thumb|Trinity Church]]
The Grade II listed Trinity Church is in the [[Gothic Revival architecture|Gothic]] style, with its exterior in [[Kentish Ragstone|Kent ragstone]]. Its tall, square tower is the most striking architectural feature and makes the building a landmark.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://britishlistedbuildings.co.uk/101200708-trinity-united-reformedmethodist-church-and-hall-sutton-central-ward|title=Trinity United Reformed/Methodist Church and Hall, Sutton, Sutton|first=Good|last=Stuff|website=britishlistedbuildings.co.uk}}</ref> Its "crown and lantern" spire is a very unusual feature, shared with two cathedrals — [[St Giles' Cathedral]] in Edinburgh and [[Newcastle Cathedral]].<ref name="auto">{{Cite web|url=https://www.trinitychurchsutton.org.uk/|title=Trinity Church &#124; A friendly church in Sutton|website=trinitychurchsutton}}</ref>

The present building, officially opened in 1907, was renamed Trinity Methodist Church following the [[Methodist Union]] in 1932. In 1972 the Congregational and [[Presbyterian Church]]es united, and the [[Congregational church|Congregational]] and [[Methodism|Methodist]] congregations in Sutton also united, with Trinity becoming a joint [[United Reformed Church|United Reformed]] and Methodist church.<ref name="auto"/>

===Sutton Baptist Church===
[[File:Two churches and some flowers, Cheam Rd, SUTTON, Surrey, Greater London.jpg|thumb|left|Trinity Church (left) and Sutton Baptist Church (right), Cheam Road]]
In contrast to the other two town centre churches, the Baptist Church is relatively modern—it was designed by the architect [[Nugent Cachemaille-Day]] (1896–1976) using mainly traditional materials, such as brick and tile, in a style influenced by the [[Arts and Crafts Movement]]. Built by Messrs. Pitchers Ltd of Holloway in 1934, the church took little more than half-a-year to build, and its design aroused interest not only locally, but also in church and architectural circles nationwide.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.waymarking.com/waymarks/WMC3M4_Sutton_Baptist_Church_Sutton_Surrey_UK|title=Sutton Baptist Church – Sutton, Surrey, UK – Baptist Churches on Waymarking.com|website=waymarking.com}}</ref>

The church is noted within the borough for its contemporary brick design with long walls and concave sweeps in the [[streamline moderne|moderne]] style. The windows are in simple clean lines, in a simplified Gothic style. The interior has much exposed brickwork and sweeping pointed arches, which are highlighted by the directions in which the bricks are laid.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.suttonbaptistchurch.co.uk/about-us|title=ABOUT US &#124; Sutton Baptist Church|website=SuttonBaptistChurch}}</ref>
{{clear}}

===St Nicholas Church===
{{main|St Nicholas Church, Sutton, London}}
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|caption1=St Nicholas churchyard
}}
The Grade II listed St Nicholas Church<ref>St Nicholas Church Grade II architectural listing {{National Heritage List for England|num=1065629|access-date = 27 November 2012}}</ref> is the oldest of the three town centre churches, and is surrounded by a small ancient graveyard, which is wooded. It is in ecumenical partnership with other denominations and in a Team Ministry with other Anglican churches.

Many of Sutton's notable historic residents are buried in the churchyard. These include Mr Horward Orme, the final owner of the [[manor house]]; Dorothy Mason, wife of [[Sir William Brownlow, 4th Baronet]]; [[William Talbot, 1st Earl Talbot]]; and 185 orphans from the Metropolitan District School. The orphans' graves are marked by a memorial put up by the church's [[Sunday school]] children in 1921. A large [[World War II]] bomb landed on the churchyard in 1940. It destroyed several graves, but the church building itself remained intact.<ref name="Jones"/>

===All Saints Church===
{{main|All Saints Church, Benhilton}}
[[File:All Saints Church Benhilton, SUTTON, Surrey, Greater London.jpg|thumb|left|All Saints Church]]
Just to the north of Sutton town centre at the foot of Angel Hill in All Saints Road is All Saints Church, [[Benhilton]]. Its large size and prominent location make it a local landmark. Its parish was created in 1863, and the foundation stone of the Grade II* listed building was laid in the same year, designed by [[Samuel Sanders Teulon]] in the [[Gothic Revival]] style. The then lord of the manor, Thomas Alcock, gave £18,000 towards the building, plus the land for the church, the vicarage and a school. The church was conceived as an amenity for an estate of upper class Victorian housing which Alcock was developing on the land to the east.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.londongardensonline.org.uk/gardens-online-record.asp?ID=SUT001|title=London Gardens Online|access-date=31 December 2015|archive-date=4 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304084131/http://www.londongardensonline.org.uk/gardens-online-record.asp?ID=SUT001|url-status=dead}}</ref>

There is a historic churchyard around the church, which includes several significant tombs. It is wooded, including yew trees beside the path to the north porch.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.parksandgardens.org/places/all-saints-churchyard-benhilton|title=All Saints Churchyard, Benhilton|first=Parks and|last=Gardens (en)|website=Parks & Gardens}}</ref>

[[English Heritage]] describe the church as "a very fine building in the decorated style of the early 14th century".<ref>{{NHLE|num=1065697 |access-date=27 November 2012}}</ref>

===St. Barnabas Church===
To the east of the town centre is St Barnabas Church, which was built between 1882 and 1884 by architects [[Richard Carpenter (architect)|R H Carpenter]] and [[Benjamin Ingelow]]. Its purpose was to serve the Newtown area of Sutton, which was developed in the second half of the 19th century.

Architecturally, the church is a red brick building with stone dressings, and is in the [[Gothic Revival]] style. Its nave has five bays, and is supported inside by columns with clustered shafts and a [[Timber roof truss|timber scissors truss roof]].<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.stbarnabas.suttonteam.org.uk/history/st-barnabas-church.php |title=St Barnabas Church |access-date=29 September 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141223064100/http://www.stbarnabas.suttonteam.org.uk/history/st-barnabas-church.php |archive-date=23 December 2014 |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.achurchnearyou.com/church/832/page/614/view/|title=About the church – Sutton, St Barnabas – A Church Near You|website=achurchnearyou.com}}</ref>

===Christ Church===
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To the south of the town centre in Christchurch Park sits Christ Church, Sutton. It was built in 1888 by architects Newman & Jacques. Additions were made c. 1910 to 1912 by J D Round.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://southwark.anglican.org/church/sutton-christ-church/|title=Sutton, Christ Church|website=The Diocese of Southwark}}</ref>

The church was built as part of the 19th century expansion of the town. With the growing population to the south of the parish church of St Nicholas in the town centre, the need was recognised for the people living in the south to have a more local church. The building was sited among the then lavender fields east of Brighton Road. The church has the largest auditorium in Sutton, and comprises a [[nave]] of five bays, a [[chancel]], [[apse]], north and south aisles, [[chapel]], [[narthex]] and [[vestries]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.christchurchsutton.org/|title=christchurch sutton|website=christchurch sutton}}</ref>

===Church of Our Lady of the Rosary and Church of the Holy Family===
To the east of the town centre, on St Barnabas Road, is the Church of Our Lady of the Rosary. It was built and consecrated in 1892, before it was enlarged in 1912; in 1932 the church's current [[altar]] was consecrated by the then Roman Catholic [[Archbishop of Southwark|Bishop of Southwark]], [[Peter Emmanuel Amigo|Peter Amigo]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://suttonsurreyrcparish.weebly.com/|title=Our Lady of the Rosary Church Sutton Surrey|website=Our Lady of the Rosary Church}}</ref>

The Church of the Holy Family, though closer to the town centre, is more recent, starting as Holy Family Church Hall in the 1960s. The current church was built in 1988, two years after being given its own parish.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.holyfamilychurch.org.uk/parishhistory.html |title=Holy Family Church – History |access-date=3 December 2015 |archive-date=8 December 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151208122722/http://www.holyfamilychurch.org.uk/parishhistory.html |url-status=dead }}</ref>

==Culture==

Sutton has a range of public art, a large library, a music venue and a cinema and theatre. It is a hub for filming in south-west London.<ref name="bbc">{{cite news |date=7 December 2010 |title=Filmmaking renaissance for borough of Sutton |publisher=[[BBC News Online]] |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/local/london/hi/people_and_places/arts_and_culture/newsid_9264000/9264802.stm |access-date=2 December 2013}}</ref>
{{wide image|Scill Mosaic, Robin Hood Lane, Sutton, Surrey, Greater London (2).jpg|800px|Mosaic on the side of the Sutton Centre for Independent Living and Learning <small>(Swipe to view full image in mobile view.)</small>}}

===Sutton Central Library's Art Gallery Space===
Sutton Central Library's Art Gallery aims to provide the London Borough of Sutton's residents with a wide range of contemporary art, heritage and history experiences. The gallery space is available for hire to professional artists, collectives and non-profit groups wishing to exhibit their work individually or as a group. Entrance to the gallery and access to the exhibition is free for all members of the public, except for specific events.

===Imagine festival of arts===
In 2006 the annual Imagine festival of arts was launched. It has since gained [[Arts Council England]] funding.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.sutton.gov.uk/info/200554/heritage_and_culture/1379/arts|title=Heritage and Culture|access-date=27 October 2015|archive-date=7 January 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160107060604/https://www.sutton.gov.uk/info/200554/heritage_and_culture/1379/arts|url-status=dead}}</ref>

===Public art===

Sutton town centre contains six main works of [[List of public art in Sutton|public art]], as well as several other works. Of the main works, three are murals and three are sculptures.

====Sutton heritage mosaic====
{{main|Sutton Heritage Mosaic}}

[[File:Sutton Heritage Mosaic, Turner and Drostle, Sutton, Surrey, Greater London (8).jpg|thumb|The Sutton Heritage Mosaic]]
There is a large [[Sutton heritage mosaic|town centre mosaic]] measuring {{convert|9|m|ft}} high and {{convert|5|m|ft}} wide covering the whole of a three-storey wall in the town square near the Waterstone's bookshop. One of the largest examples of wall art in Britain, it was commissioned by the London Borough of Sutton to celebrate the borough's heritage.
<ref name="Press release">{{cite web |date=19 November 2011 |title=Plaque reveals Sutton's rich history |url=http://www.sutton.gov.uk/suttonpress/index.aspx?articleid=15218 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20140824160324/http://www.sutton.gov.uk/suttonpress/index.aspx?articleid=15218 |archive-date=24 August 2014 |website=[[London Borough of Sutton]] Press office}}</ref> Created by artists [[Gary Drostle]] and Rob Turner, the mosaic was made from vitreous ceramic tesserae (small tiles made of glass and clay), and put in place in 1994.<ref name="Goodwins"/>

It was designed by Rob Turner, and shows several aspects of Sutton's heritage and local history. The centre-piece is the depiction of [[Nonsuch Palace|Henry VIII's palace at Nonsuch]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.drostle.com/suttonheritage.html|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20121022061046/http://www.drostle.com/suttonheritage.html|url-status=dead|title=Drostle and Turner fine tiles — Sutton Heritage page|archivedate=22 October 2012}}</ref>

A plaque describing the panels was installed in 2011, and unveiled by [[Graham Tope, Baron Tope|Councillor Graham Tope]], who said: 
{{blockquote|This beautiful mosaic has been a much-loved feature of our High Street for the past 17 years.....I hope this plaque will help [people] to appreciate it even more."<ref name="Press release"/>}}

====Wellesley Road mural====
[[File:Sutton, Surrey London Wellesley Road public art (i).JPG|thumb|left|Art in Wellesley Road, Sutton]]
There is a large mural in Wellesley Road, about a hundred yards south of the railway station. It was created by the street artist, Eva Mena, who is from [[Bilbao, Spain]] and a leading practitioner in the urban art movement. The mural dates from 2008,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://evamena.com/portfolio/mural-sutton/|title=Mural Sutton ⋆ EvaMena}}</ref> and was completed in three days.<ref>{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=24 November 2013 |title=Public Art and Historic Buildings in Sutton South |url=https://suttonsouth.mycouncillor.org.uk/public-art-in-sutton-south/}}</ref>

It was commissioned by the owner of a cleaning firm keen to promote local art, and depicts an image of [[Erykah Badu]], the American singer-songwriter. The painting covers the entire side wall of Indepth House, a small office building occupied by the firm.
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====Sutton twin towns mural====
{{main|Sutton twin towns mural}}
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|caption3=The painting of Minden
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The ''twin towns mural'' is a set of seven individual paintings inset within seven mock window frames on the side of a Victorian commercial building at the junction of the High Street with Sutton Court Road. The paintings depict scenes of the London Borough of Sutton and its four European twins:<ref>{{Cite web |last= |first= |title=Sutton Council |url=https://www.sutton.gov.uk/index.php?articleid=962 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140904195642/https://www.sutton.gov.uk/index.aspx?articleid=962 |archivedate=4 September 2014 |website=sutton.gov.uk}}</ref> [[Gagny]], a suburb of Paris; [[Gladsaxe]] in Copenhagen; [[Minden]] in Germany; and [[Charlottenburg-Wilmersdorf]] in Berlin.

The paintings were designed and painted on to plywood by [[public art]]ists, [[Gary Drostle]] and Rob Turner and were unveiled in 1993 on the 25th anniversary of Sutton's twinning with Wilmersdorf. The five twins are each painted with their heraldic shield above images of their key features. Each twin also has its own plant to symbolise environmental awareness; for Sutton this is a beech tree, from which [[Carshalton|Carshalton Beeches]] in the borough gets its name.<ref>{{Cite web |date=8 August 2011 |title=Revealing Sutton's twinning heritage |url=http://www.sutton.gov.uk/suttonpress/index.aspx?articleid=13521 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://archive.today/20140825233230/http://www.sutton.gov.uk/suttonpress/index.aspx?articleid=13521 |archivedate=25 August 2014}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=12 June 2011 |title=Murals for twin towns to get new lease of life |url=https://www.yourlocalguardian.co.uk/news/9075012.murals-for-sutton-twin-towns-to-get-new-lease-of-life/ |website=Your Local Guardian}}</ref>

====Sutton armillary====
[[File:Rotary Armillary, Sutton High St, SUTTON , Surrey, Greater London.jpg|thumb|left|The Sutton armillary]]
{{main|Sutton armillary}}
The [[Sutton armillary|Millennium Dial]] [[armillary]] was dedicated to the town in the year 2000 by the [[Rotary Club]]. It is in the form of an historical timepiece, and it serves three purposes: first, to tell the time; secondly, to commemorate time through various inscriptions including the Rotary motto "Service Above Self" and distances to nearby areas such as Kingston upon Thames; and thirdly, to commemorate the work which the Rotary Club has done.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Pepper |first=James |date=2012-11-21 |title=Time stops in Sutton High Street after Armillery removed |url=https://www.yourlocalguardian.co.uk/news/10059532.time-stops-in-sutton-high-street-after-armillery-removed/ |access-date=22 August 2014 |website=Your Local Guardian |language=en}}</ref>

The armillary is a popular feature of the town, and it continues to provide a focus for the town centre.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Gray |first=Charlie |date=15 September 2009 |title=Report of the Executive Head of Planning and Transportation |url=http://www.sutton.gov.uk/CHttpHandler.ashx?id=6991&p=0 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140723132023/http://www.sutton.gov.uk/CHttpHandler.ashx?id=6991&p=0 |archivedate=23 July 2014 |website=[[London Borough of Sutton]]}}</ref> It marks not just the new millennium but also the central part that the Rotary has played in the welfare of Sutton since 1923.

It was originally installed in the former "Millennium Garden", but was slightly re-positioned in 2011 to the edge of the central square, in front of the Waterstones bookshop.
{{clear}}

====The Messenger====
{{main|The Messenger (David Wynne sculpture)}}
[[File:The Messenger by Sir David Wynne, SUTTON, Surrey, Greater London (7).jpg|thumb|The Messenger]]
The Messenger statue is a sculpture in [[bronze]] with very dark [[patina]]tion completed by [[David Wynne (sculptor)|David Wynne, OBE]] in 1981 of a large horse and rider. The horse, with a slightly raised left leg, looks towards the railway station. The rider, seated bareback, raises his left hand in the air above his head and his right hand to his mouth, as if calling. It is fully life-size and mounted on a 7-foot plinth of marble and granite slabs. The total height is {{Convert|150|in|m}}.<ref name="pmsa">{{Cite web|url=http://www.pmsa.org.uk/pmsa-database/4015/|title=PMSA|date=12 December 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131212124857/http://www.pmsa.org.uk/pmsa-database/4015/|archive-date=12 December 2013}}</ref>

The statue was commissioned by the then Business Press International Ltd, and upkeep of the work then fell to [[Reed Business Information]], who occupied Quadrant House at the time.<ref name="pmsa"/> It was a major commission for the sculptor, which took four years from his first idea and inspiration, through to roughing out, refining and foundry to the final unveiling and installation. The company wanted him to illustrate its fundamental business, communication, but to convey the idea of it, rather than simply represent it in a completely obvious way.<ref name="Wynne">{{cite book |last=Wynne |first=David |title=The Messenger: A Sculpture by David Wynne |publisher=Business Press International |year=1982 |language=en}}</ref> The statue is located by the main entrance to Quadrant House, adjacent to Sutton station.

====Transpose 2002====
[[File:Transpose 2002 sculpture, SUTTON, Surrey, Greater London.jpg|thumb|left|upright|Transpose 2002]]
''Transpose 2002'' is a sculpture by [[Michael Dan Archer]], located at the junction of Carshalton Road and Langley Park Road, about 250 yards from the town's historic central crossroads. It is 7 metres (23 feet) in height, 1.5 metres (5 feet) in width and 1.5 metres in depth, and made of Chinese [[granite]] and [[stainless steel]]. It is composed of a steel blade-like structure next to a granite form. The blade contains a grid allowing the sun to shine through on to the granite.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.archersculpture.co.uk/publicart1|title=Public Art|website=Michael Dan Archer}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.lboro.ac.uk/staff/news/archive/pdf/newsletter14.pdf|title=Loughborough University|access-date=28 October 2016|archive-date=4 November 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131104174559/http://www.lboro.ac.uk/staff/news/archive/pdf/newsletter14.pdf|url-status=dead}}</ref>

The sculpture was commissioned jointly by Chartwell Land, B&Q and the London Borough of Sutton.<ref>{{cite book|title=Loughborough University School of Art and Design|year=1998|page=14|publisher=Loughborough University|isbn=19-00-856-28X}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://publications.lboro.ac.uk/download/all/collated/acma.doc|title=Research Publications|website=publications.lboro.ac.uk}}{{dead link|date=August 2021}}</ref> As its name suggests, it dates from 2002. Archer says his sculptures "primarily invoke the massiveness and physicality of stone and its relationship to architecture, humanity and landscape".<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.marshallmurray.co.uk/by-artist/item/50-michael-dan-archer |title=Marshall Murray website – Michael Dan Archer |access-date=28 October 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161028215406/http://www.marshallmurray.co.uk/by-artist/item/50-michael-dan-archer |archive-date=28 October 2016 |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.axisweb.org/p/michaeldanarcher/|title=Michael Dan Archer|website=Axisweb}}</ref>

The design, location and dimensions of ''Transpose 2002'' all combine to make it a significant landmark for those entering Sutton town centre from an easterly direction along Carshalton Road.
{{clear}}

===Rainbow crossing===
[[File:Rainbow crossing, Sutton, London.jpg|thumb|The Rainbow crossing in Sutton]]
In mid-2020, a permanent rainbow pedestrian crossing in honour of the borough's [[LGBT+]] community was installed in St. Nicholas Way, adjacent to the [[Sutton Civic Offices|Sutton Civic Centre]], a prominent location in Sutton town centre. This makes Sutton one of fewer than ten London boroughs to have permanent LGBT+ rainbow crossings. Tyrone Ashby, Sutton LGBTQ+ Forum Chair, said:

"Having a rainbow crossing will show visitors to Sutton that we are signalling an inclusive environment for LGBTQ+ communities – we are showing our true colours as an open, diverse and accepting borough and we have Pride in our hearts."<ref>{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=26 June 2020 |title=Walk with pride: new rainbow crossing in town |url=https://www.sutton.gov.uk/news/article/556/walk_with_pride_new_rainbow_crossing_in_town |website=[[Sutton Council]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.yourlocalguardian.co.uk/news/18542538.new-rainbow-road-crossing-unveiled-sutton/|title=Sutton unveils first permanent LGBTQ+ rainbow road crossing|website=Your Local Guardian|date=25 June 2020 }}</ref>

===Transgender crossing===
[[File:Transgender crossing, Sutton, south London.jpg|thumb|The [[transgender flag]] crossing in Sutton]]
In May 2021 the country's first transgender pedestrian crossing was painted in Sutton town centre, near the north end of Sutton High Street. Its installation was timed to coincide with International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia.<ref>[https://metro.co.uk/2021/05/18/london-uks-first-ever-transgender-flag-pedestrian-crossing-unveiled-14601161/ Metro, 18 May 2021]</ref>

Cllr Jake Short, Sutton Council's Lead Member for Equalities, said: "I am delighted to see this celebration of the richness and diversity that our transgender community brings to Sutton. Until transgender people and other minority groups are able to live without fear of discrimination or hate, we must continue to demonstrate our support and stand with them to clearly demonstrate our commitment to eliminating transphobia."<ref>{{Cite web |last=Charsley |first=Monica |date=2021-05-18 |title=UK's first multi-coloured transgender crossing unveiled in Sutton |url=https://www.yourlocalguardian.co.uk/news/19310306.sutton-celebrates-transgender-community-new-crossing/ |access-date=2023-05-27 |website=Your Local Guardian |language=en}}</ref>

===Diversity mural===
Sutton Council is planning to create a large mural in the town centre celebrating diversity in the borough. Using local artists, it will be installed on the wall of [[Sutton College]] on St Nicholas Way. Completion was expected in the summer of 2021.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.mylondon.news/news/south-london-news/black-lives-matter-campaign-spurs-19744639|title=A huge diversity mural will soon be created in Sutton town centre|first=Tara|last=O'Connor|date=1 February 2021|website=MyLondon}}</ref>

===Commemorative bench===
[[File:Sutton Mosaic Memorial Bench.jpg|thumb|The commemorative bench in Trinity Square, Sutton]]

A bench dedicated to female victims of male violence was unveiled in Trinity Square in Sutton town centre in March 2022, created by local artists Samia Tossio and Hana Horack, following the murders in 2021 of [[Sarah Everard]] and [[Sabina Nessa]]. Having a brightly coloured mosaic surface themed with hearts and stars, the inscription reads, "Never commit, excuse or remain silent" (words used by the [[White Ribbon Campaign]]) and "Remembering women who died from male violence". Plans for the bench were conceived by the ''Reclaim Sutton's Streets'' campaign group, following a vigil for Sabina Nessa in the same location in 2021 held around a "tree of remembrance" decorated with [[yarn-bombing]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=7 March 2022 |title=Compelling memorial bench to women and girls killed by male violence unveiled in Sutton |url=https://www.sutton.gov.uk/w/compelling-memorial-bench-to-women-and-girls-killed-by-male-violence-unveiled-in-sutton |access-date= |website=Sutton Council |language=en-GB}}</ref>
[[File:Tree of Remembrance, Trinity Square, Sutton SM1.jpg|thumb|"Tree of remembrance" decorated with yarn-bombing near the bench]] 
Sutton mayor, Trish Fivey, said at the unveiling: "Today, we're here to unveil this very moving tribute to all women and girls who have died as a result of male violence, no matter who they were or where they lived." Also present was Sarah McGuinness, chair of Reclaim Sutton's Streets, who said: "Campaigning to end violence against women and girls ... can be met with resistance ... but the movement grows ... as day after day women are abused and killed. Having such a beautiful mosaic memorial not only shines light on all the women who have been lost to male violence, it also educates and calls to action ..."<ref>[https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2022/mar/05/woman-and-girls-march-to-urge-end-to-male-violence-and-misogyny Women and girls march to urge end to male violence and misogyny] ''[[The Guardian]]'', 5 March 2022. Retrieved 16 March 2022.</ref><ref>[https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/sarah-everard-butter-sabina-nessa-b2029432.html Call for action on male violence as bench unveiled for Sarah Everard anniversary] ''[[The Independent]]'', 5 March 2022. Retrieved 16 March 2022. {{registration required}}</ref><ref>[https://www.yourlocalguardian.co.uk/news/19972316.call-action-male-violence-bench-unveiled-sarah-everard-anniversary/ Call for action on male violence as bench unveiled for Sarah Everard anniversary]''[[Sutton & Croydon Guardian]]'', 5 March 2022. Retrieved 16 March 2022</ref><ref>[https://www.standard.co.uk/news/uk/sarah-everard-women-trinity-square-butter-sabina-nessa-b986283.html Call for action on male violence as bench unveiled for Sarah Everard anniversary] ''[[Evening Standard]]'', 5 March 2022. Retrieved 23 March 2022</ref>

===Literary facilities===
Sutton Library is situated close to the top of the town, near St Nicholas Church, and is part of a complex which contains the [[Sutton Civic Offices|Civic Offices]] and [[Sutton College]]. It is the largest library in the borough. Opened in 1975, it was extensively refurbished in 2004 to meet changing customer needs. It was the first public library to appoint a library [[artist-in-residence|writer-in-residence]]; the first to establish a CD and video lending library; and the first to offer a full public library service on Sundays. The library is arranged over four storeys, and the lending and reference facilities extend to a reader's lounge; café and shop; IT facilities; opportunities to listen to music; and a children's library themed around the world's environments.<ref>{{cite web |title=Local libraries: Sutton Central Library |url=https://www.sutton.gov.uk/info/200168/libraries_and_culture/1272/local_libraries/2 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150930020738/https://www.sutton.gov.uk/info/200168/libraries_and_culture/1272/local_libraries/2 |archive-date=30 September 2015 |access-date=22 September 2015}}</ref>

Art exhibitions are held in the library's Europa Gallery.

===Sutton Life Centre===
{{main|Sutton Life Centre}}
[[File:Sutton Life Centre, SUTTON , Surrey, Greater London (3).jpg|thumb|left|Sutton Life Centre]]
The [[Sutton Life Centre]] situated in Alcorn Close, just off Sutton Common Road, is an £8 million facility designed to improve life chances for younger people and encourage good citizenship. Aiming to encourage community engagement and involvement, the centre was opened on 27 October 2010 by the then [[Deputy Prime Minister of the United Kingdom|Deputy Prime Minister]] [[Nick Clegg]].<ref>[http://www.suttonguardian.co.uk/news/8477840.VIDEO__Nick_Clegg_opens_Sutton_Life_Centre/ "Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg officially opened Sutton Life Centre"], ''Sutton Guardian'', 27 October 2010. Retrieved 1 March 2011.</ref>

The centre's key feature – ''The Lifezone'' – is a virtual street, a room with giant projection screens on all walls using film-set technology. It aims to provide an "immersive learning environment" through the use of [[surround sound]], evocative lighting and interactive features. Using these media, pupils are shown real-life scenes from Sutton's streets to teach them about citizenship, personal safety and the environment.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.ukschooltrips.co.uk/uk-school-trip-destinations/sutton-life-centre-london|title=UK School Trips|access-date=27 September 2015|archive-date=28 September 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150928070429/http://www.ukschooltrips.co.uk/uk-school-trip-destinations/sutton-life-centre-london|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.safetycentrealliance.org.uk/south-london.html |title=Safety Centre Alliance |access-date=27 September 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150928143415/http://www.safetycentrealliance.org.uk/south-london.html |archive-date=28 September 2015 |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=28 November 2008 |title=Movie set to teach street skills |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/london/7753320.stm |publisher=[[BBC News Online]]}}</ref>
{{clear}}

===Theatre and cinema===
{{main|Secombe Theatre}}
'''Theatre'''
{{multiple image
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The [[Secombe Theatre, Sutton|Secombe Theatre]]<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.suttontheatres.co.uk/ |title=Sutton theatres |access-date=24 January 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050305113505/http://www.suttontheatres.co.uk/ |archive-date=5 March 2005 |url-status=dead}}</ref> (named after Sir [[Harry Secombe]]) was in Cheam Road, adjacent to the [[Holiday Inn]] hotel. The theatre was opened by Sir Harry, who lived in Sutton for over 30 years.<ref name="Gower">{{cite web |url=http://www.explore-gower.co.uk/explore/swansea/swansea-notable-people/sir-harry-secombe |title=Sir Harry Secombe |publisher=Explore Gower |access-date=14 October 2014 |archive-date=29 September 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140929230233/http://www.explore-gower.co.uk/explore/swansea/swansea-notable-people/sir-harry-secombe |url-status=dead }}</ref> The theatre was created in 1984 out of a former [[Christian Science]] church building dating from 1937.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://database.theatrestrust.org.uk/resources/theatres/show/3128-secombe-theatre|title=Secombe Theatre &#124; Theatres Trust|website=database.theatrestrust.org.uk}}</ref> The theatre was operated together with the [[Charles Cryer Theatre, Carshalton|Charles Cryer Studio Theatre]] in [[Carshalton]], formerly by the London Borough of Sutton.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.overthefootlights.co.uk/20.pdf|title=Over the footlights website, regarding the Secombe Centre Theatre}}</ref>
In 2014 Sutton Council requested bids to take over the running of the theatres, and in January 2015 the bid by the new "Sutton Theatres Trust" was given approval by the council's environment and neighbourhood committee to take over the theatres.<ref name="sguard2">{{cite web|url=http://www.suttonguardian.co.uk/news/11739879.Dramatic_rescue_for_Sutton_s_theatres_as_new_10_year_takeover_deal_gets_nod/?ref=eb |title=Dramatic rescue for Sutton's theatres as new 10-year takeover deal gets nod |work=Sutton Guardian |date=21 January 2015 |access-date=22 January 2015 }}</ref> In August 2016 the trust went into administration and the theatre closed permanently.<ref>{{cite news |last=Hutchinson |first=David |date=12 August 2016 |title=Sutton theatres close amid financial crisis |url=https://www.thestage.co.uk/news/2016/sutton-theatres-close-amid-financial-crisis/ |newspaper=The Stage |access-date=8 January 2017 |archive-date=16 August 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160816195311/https://www.thestage.co.uk/news/2016/sutton-theatres-close-amid-financial-crisis/ |url-status=dead }}</ref>

'''Cinema'''

The former Granada Cinema opened in 1934 as the Plaza Theatre in Carshalton Road, where Sutton Park House now stands.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.arthurlloyd.co.uk/SuttonGranada.htm |title=The Granada Cinema, Carshalton Road, Sutton, Surrey – Now London |publisher=arthurlloyd.co.uk |access-date=2 March 2013}}</ref> The ten-screen [[Empire Cinema]], opened in 1991 opposite the St. Nicholas shopping centre.

'''Planned cultural hub'''

A new cultural hub, combining cinema, theatre, performing arts classes, food and drink is planned for late 2023. To be known as ''Throwley Yard'', it will take over the premises of a former nightclub in Throwley Road in Sutton town centre. The renovation of the premises is being funded by the Government's Future High Streets Fund, and the facility will be run by Really Local Group. The local Council sees it as part of its commitment to the local economy and culture "by creating spaces for community, business, and artists to grow". It will be carbon-neutral.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hugget |first=Poppy |date=2022-03-09 |title=Abandoned nightclub to be transformed into cultural hub in Sutton town centre |url=https://www.yourlocalguardian.co.uk/news/19981350.sutton-nightclub-transformed-cultural-hub-public/ |access-date= |website=Your Local Guardian |language=en}}</ref>

===Media===
Along with [[Wimbledon Studios]], Sutton is a hub for filming in south-west [[London]].<ref name="bbc"/>

''[[List of Mr. Bean episodes#The Return of Mr. Bean|The Return of Mr Bean]]'' was filmed in [[Sutton High Street]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://findthatlocation.com/television-show/mr-bean|title=Mr Bean Filming Locations: Find That Location|website=findthatlocation.com}}</ref>

Episodes of ''[[The Bill]]'' were filmed in Sutton.

The [[E4 (TV channel)|E4]] sitcom ''[[Phoneshop]]'', was filmed in a vacant shop unit in Sutton High Street.

Scenes for the [[Cinema of the United States|Hollywood]] film ''[[Black Sea (film)|Black Sea]]'' were shot outside [[Sutton Grammar School for Boys|Sutton Grammar School]] in 2013. [[Jude Law]] is seen getting in and out of a car, while pupils leave the school.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.yourlocalguardian.co.uk/news/9774451.cheam-eyesore-to-get-redeveloped/|title=Victoria House developers announced|website=Your Local Guardian|date=21 June 2012 }}</ref>

===Music===

Sutton Symphony Orchestra was founded in 1946. It has given an average of three concerts every season.{{Citation needed|date=April 2021}}

The 300 capacity Boom Boom Club in West Sutton host rock gigs.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.suttonunited.net/livemusic.html |title=The Boom Boom Club |access-date=23 August 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160803111635/http://www.suttonunited.net/livemusic.html |archive-date=3 August 2016 |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=The Boom Boom Club, Sutton |url=https://www.ents24.com/sutton-events/the-boom-boom-club |access-date=2023-05-26 |website=Ents24 |language=en}}</ref>

====The Sound Lounge====
[[File:The Sound Lounge, Sutton, Greater London 4.jpg|thumb|The Sound Lounge, Sutton High Street]]

{{main|The Sound Lounge, London}}
The [[The Sound Lounge, London|Sound Lounge]], a [[grassroots]] concert venue, opened in December 2020 in Sutton High Street in the former premises of [[Royal Bank of Scotland]]. It hosts live performances of blues, [[Americana (music)|Americana]], folk and [[American folk music|roots music]]. The venue includes a [[Plant-based diet|plant-based]], [[Carbon neutrality|carbon-neutral]] café, and hosts visual art exhibitions, theatre and dance.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.yourlocalguardian.co.uk/news/17685283.pair-13-000-reasons-sutton-home-new-music-venue/|title=Pair have 13,000 reasons why Sutton should be home to new music venue|website=Your Local Guardian|date=5 June 2019 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://moderngov.sutton.gov.uk/documents/s69963/8%20Sound%20lounge%20presentation.pdf|title=Sutton Modern Government document}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.theguardian.com/music/2020/aug/22/the-risk-is-enormous-uk-live-music-still-in-crisis-after-reopening|title='The risk is enormous': UK live music still in crisis after reopening|date=22 August 2020|website=The Guardian}}</ref> Following the easing of lockdown, it had a limited reopening in April 2021 for outdoor food and drink consumption and vinyl record sales at the Union Music Store within. As on 21 April, live music events were booked for most weekend nights as far forward as October 2021. A women's theatre event was due to take place on 27 June, and Sunday jazz afternoons with vegan roast are planned.<ref>[https://www.yourlocalguardian.co.uk/news/19249569.sound-lounge-makes-comeback-sutton-merton/ Sutton Guardian, 21 April 2021]</ref>

On 1 July 2021 the venue became the country's first grassroots music venue to be certified as carbon neutral. A wide variety of measures have been put in place to achieve neutrality. In addition to the fully plant-based menu for the café, these include getting all energy from renewable sources, not sending any waste to landfill and maintaining an allotment garden on site for zero-carbon produce for the café.<ref>[https://www.recordoftheday.com/on-the-move/news-press/the-sound-lounge--the-first-carbon-neutral-grass-roots-music-venue-in-the-uk Record of the Day, 15 July 2021]</ref>

====The Rolling Stones====
[[File:SUTTON (Surrey), Greater London - Winning Post formerly Red Lion pub.jpg|thumb|The Sutton pub where the early Rolling Stones gigs took place]]
[[The Rolling Stones]] were first spotted at the Red Lion public house (now the Winning Post) in Sutton High Street. The band played several early gigs there in 1963, and, during one, the audience included impresario/music manager [[Giorgio Gomelsky]], who spotted the band and signed them up for a residency at Richmond's [[Crawdaddy Club]], months before they made the charts.<ref>{{cite web|author1=London History Tours |first2=Adrian |last2=Sill |first3=Jeremy |last3=Tipton |url=http://www.shadyoldlady.com/location.php?loc=2521# |title=The Stones at the Red Lion |publisher=Shadyoldlady.com |access-date=19 December 2013}}</ref><ref>
{{cite web |url=http://www.croydonadvertiser.co.uk/Pub-home-music-legends-preserved/story-11358856-detail/story.html |title=Pub home to music legends is preserved |work=Croydon Advertiser |date=13 May 2011 |access-date=28 February 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140222164520/http://www.croydonadvertiser.co.uk/Pub-home-music-legends-preserved/story-11358856-detail/story.html |archive-date=22 February 2014 |url-status=dead}}
</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Roberta Freund |first=Schwartz |title=How Britain Got the Blues: The Transmission and Reception of American Blues Style in the United Kingdom |publisher=Ashgate Publishing, Ltd. |page=149 |language=en}}</ref>
It was at the pub that [[Charlie Watts]] and [[Bill Wyman]], on 23 January 1963, became permanent members of the band:<ref>{{cite web|first=Ian |last=McPherson |url=http://www.timeisonourside.com/chron1963.html |title=Chronicle 1963 |work=Timeisonourside.com |access-date=19 December 2013}}</ref>

{{cquote|January 23, 1963: Charlie Watts and Bill Wyman become permanent members of the Rolling Stones with this day's gig at the Red Lion Pub in Sutton, Surrey.}}

In 2011, the Winning Post was added to a list of buildings and structures of local significance.<ref name="srs">{{cite web |date=13 May 2011 |title='Rolling Stones' pub joins heritage list |url=http://www.yourlocalguardian.co.uk/news/local/topstories/9020674._Rolling_Stones__pub_joins_heritage_list/ |access-date=15 February 2014 |publisher=Your Local Guardian}}</ref><ref name="crs">{{cite web |url=http://www.croydonadvertiser.co.uk/Pub-home-music-legends-preserved/story-11358856-detail/story.html |title=A CELEBRATED music pub which helped the Rolling Stones on their road to fame will be preserved for posterity. |work=Croydon Advertiser |date=13 May 2011 |access-date=15 February 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140222164520/http://www.croydonadvertiser.co.uk/Pub-home-music-legends-preserved/story-11358856-detail/story.html |archive-date=22 February 2014 |url-status=dead}}</ref>

==Economy==
[[File:Sutton High St crossroads, SUTTON, Surrey, Greater London.jpg|thumb|Sutton town centre]]
[[File:Barclay's Bank building, Sutton (Surrey), Greater London 03.jpg|thumb|The Barclays Bank building in Sutton's shopping area]]
Sutton is one of the eleven major metropolitan centres identified in the [[London Plan]]<ref name=london_plan_f08>{{cite web|url=http://www.london.gov.uk/thelondonplan/docs/londonplan08.pdf|author=Mayor of London|author-link=Mayor of London|publisher=[[Greater London Authority]]|title=London Plan (Consolidated with Alterations since 2004)|date=February 2008|access-date=2 August 2009|archive-date=2 June 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100602000714/http://www.london.gov.uk/thelondonplan/docs/londonplan08.pdf|url-status=dead}}</ref> in a borough that benefits from very low crime by [[Crime in London|London standards]]. The town contains a major retail district, centred on Sutton High Street.

Sutton has over 6,800 businesses, an increase of about 19% since 1994.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://sutton.moderngov.co.uk/documents/s12646/Economic%20Development%20Strategy.pdf |title=Economic strategy |access-date=27 September 2015 |archive-date=28 September 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150928160452/http://sutton.moderngov.co.uk/documents/s12646/Economic%20Development%20Strategy.pdf |url-status=dead }}</ref> 863 new companies were formed in Sutton in 2012, the highest number since records began.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Sutton, Surrey 2012 Annual Confidence Reports |url=https://www.duport.co.uk/sutton/2012/Q4 |website=duport.co.uk}}</ref> Most of these were small or medium-sized, but several large businesses, such as [[RELX]], the information and analytics company, are also present and have office space in the town: RELX occupies Sutton Park House opposite the police station, and is a major local employer.
Another important business locally is [[Subsea (technology)|subsea]] [[engineering]] company [[Subsea 7]].

Sutton Park House was the former office of [[G4S]] and Crown Agents Bank, a provider of the wholesale foreign exchange and cross-border payments services, was headquartered in Quadrant House, in the town centre, until 2024. <ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.crownagentsbank.com/|title=Home|website=Crown Agents Bank}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://find-and-update.company-information.service.gov.uk/company/02334687/filing-history/MzQyNjE3NzkwNGFkaXF6a2N4/document?format=pdf&download=0|title=AD01 Change of Registered Office Address|website=Companies House}}</ref>

There is a town centre manager, who works in partnership with local businesses, the police and transport providers to promote the centre and its economic development. The manager acts as the focal point for a range of initiatives funded by the council and other partners. "Opportunity Sutton"<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.opportunitysutton.org/|title=Opportunity Sutton – Delivering major economic regeneration and growth on an unprecedented scale in Sutton}}</ref> and Sutton Chamber of Commerce<ref>[http://www.suttonchamber.co.uk/ Sutton Chamber of Commerce]</ref> also play a part in the local economy.

===Health and research===
====Royal Marsden Hospital and Institute of Cancer Research====
The [[The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust|Royal Marsden Hospital]] has a longstanding presence in Sutton, on a site at the southern end of the town acquired in 1962. The [[Institute of Cancer Research]] is located next to the hospital, and in 2012 the institute's Centre for Molecular Pathology opened.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.royalmarsden.org/difference-you-make/pioneering-research-saves-lives|title=Pioneering Research saves lives|date=June 2017 }}</ref>

[[File:Institute of Cancer Research, SUTTON, Surrey, Greater London.jpg|thumb|left|The Institute of Cancer Research]]

In 2014, The Royal Marsden Hospital, the Institute of Cancer Research and the co-located St Helier University Hospitals NHS Trust set out a vision for a "world class" life sciences cluster ("Sutton for Life") on the site, focusing on the provision of enhanced facilities for drug discovery.<ref>{{Cite web |date=17 March 2014 |title=Vision for world class life science cluster unveiled for Sutton |url=http://www.newsroomsutton.co.uk/?p=577 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140907004549/http://www.newsroomsutton.co.uk/?p=577 |archive-date=7 September 2014 |access-date=6 September 2014 |website=[[London Borough of Sutton]] Newsroom}}</ref> The then Mayor of London, [[Boris Johnson]], visited the facility that year, and lent his support to the plans for what would be the world's second biggest cancer research campus.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Caulfield |first=Chris |date=18 December 2014 |title=Delayed Boris backs life-sciences hub in Sutton as travel hold up pushes case for trams |url=https://www.yourlocalguardian.co.uk/news/11676716.delayed-boris-backs-life-sciences-hub-in-sutton-as-travel-hold-up-pushes-case-for-trams/ |website=Your Local Guardian}}</ref>

In December 2014, the Institute was named in The Times Higher Education league table the country's leading university, ahead of Oxford and Cambridge, in recognition of its contribution to society.<ref>{{Cite web |date=18 December 2014 |title=ICR tops league table of university excellence - The Institute of Cancer Research, London |url=https://www.icr.ac.uk/news-archive/icr-tops-league-table-of-university-excellence |website=[[Institute of Cancer Research]]}}</ref>

[[File:Oaks Cancer Centre, Sutton (London) 07.jpg|thumb|The Oaks Cancer Centre in Sutton nearing completion in April 2023]]
In June 2023 the Oaks Cancer Centre was opened by [[William, Prince of Wales|Prince William]]. Patients, clinicians and researchers will all be co-located in the centre to promote improved collaboration. The new Charles Wolfson Rapid Diagnostic Centre, which will provide people with quicker diagnoses, is based in the centre. Prince William said: "As President of The Royal Marsden, I am delighted to be here with you today to celebrate the opening of a remarkable treatment and research facility, that will transform the lives of cancer patients. The Oak Cancer Centre is a major milestone in both The Royal Marsden's history and the future of early diagnosis...For the first time, this state-of-the-art Centre brings together hundreds of researchers alongside patients. This will deliver truly integrated "bench to bedside" studies that will speed up the development and translation of new personalised treatments – not just for Royal Marsden patients here, but for cancer patients worldwide."<ref>[https://www.yourlocalguardian.co.uk/news/23578565.prince-william-opens-new-cancer-treatment-facility-royal-marsden/ Sutton Guardian, 9 June 2023]</ref><ref>[https://www.royalmarsden.nhs.uk/oak-cancer-centre Oaks Cancer Centre]</ref>

====London Cancer Hub====
In February 2016, further plans for the site were released: the "London Cancer Hub", a partnership between the Institute of Cancer Research, the [[Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust]] and the London Borough of Sutton, will bring together 10,000 scientists, and clinical and support staff and provide space for biotech and pharma companies to carry our research and development. The aim is to increase the number of clinical trials and innovative drugs, and to work in partnership with industry to increase treatments for patients.<ref>{{Cite web |date=3 February 2016 |title=Plans unveiled for UK's new global hub for cancer research and treatment |url=http://www.newsroomsutton.co.uk/?p=2853 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160205062123/http://www.newsroomsutton.co.uk/?p=2853 |archive-date=5 February 2016 |access-date=4 February 2016 |website=[[London Borough of Sutton]] Newsroom}}</ref><ref name="Suttguard Feb 2016">{{Cite web |last1=Anglesey |first1=Anders |last2=Downey |first2=Andrea |date=4 February 2016 |title=Plans for 'world-leading' cancer research hub in Sutton unveiled |url=https://www.yourlocalguardian.co.uk/news/14253349.plans-for-world-leading-institute-of-cancer-research-hub-in-sutton-unveiled/ |website=Your Local Guardian}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=3 February 2016 |title=Global cancer treatment and research hub launched for London |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-london-35476342 |publisher=[[BBC News Online]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=3 February 2016 |title=Cancer treatment development to be speeded up by new London research hub |url=http://www.theguardian.com/science/2016/feb/03/cancer-treatment-development-to-be-speeded-up-by-new-london-research-hub |website=[[The Guardian]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Anekwe |first=Lilian |date=3 February 2016 |title=London launches new cancer drug development hub |url=http://www.pharmafile.com/news/502714/london-launches-new-cancer-drug-development-hub |website=Pharmafile}}</ref>

The London Cancer Hub includes a new [[secondary school]], which specialises in the life sciences.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/global-hub-cancer-research-set-7305607|title=Global hub for cancer research to be set up in the UK|first=Andrew|last=Gregory|date=4 February 2016|website=mirror}}</ref> Leisure facilities in the form of shops, cafés and hotel space for patients and families are also planned.<ref name="Suttguard Feb 2016"/> The Hub is expected to be twice the size – at 265,000 square metres – of the existing research and treatment space. It will facilitate collaboration between different scientific fields. By 2018 the Institute of Cancer Research will develop the first phase of the plans with 20,000 square metres of drug discovery facilities.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.icr.ac.uk/docs/default-source/default-document-library/the-london-cancer-hub-roadmap-document-03-02-16.pdf?sfvrsn=0|title=ICR Roadmap}}</ref>

In September 2016 Sutton Council's housing, economy and business committee approved a provisional framework of the plans. It was noted that site's transformation would attract a total investment of £1 billion over its lifetime.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.yourlocalguardian.co.uk/news/14771937.world-class-london-cancer-hub-moves-a-step-closer-as-councillors-approve-provisional-plans/|title='World-class' London Cancer Hub moves a step closer as councillors approve provisional plans|website=Your Local Guardian|date=29 September 2016 }}</ref>

In March 2021 it was announced that a new "Innovation Gateway" would open in the London Cancer Hub in Sutton in late 2021.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.icr.ac.uk/news-archive/creation-of-new-innovation-gateway-begins-at-the-london-cancer-hub|title=Creation of new Innovation Gateway begins at The London Cancer Hub - The Institute of Cancer Research, London|website=icr.ac.uk}}</ref> The first business occupying the Innovation Gateway, a medical technology company developing a technology platform to support personalised dose administration, moved in in July 2022.<ref>Institute of Cancer Research, [https://www.icr.ac.uk/news-archive/first-medtech-company-moves-in-at-the-london-cancer-hub-s-innovation-gateway First MedTech company moves in at The London Cancer Hub's Innovation Gateway], published 21 July 2022, accessed 3 June 2023</ref>

In October 2021, the Centre for Cancer Drug Discovery, sited in a new 7,300 square metre building costing £75 million, was opened by [[Princess Anne]].<ref>[https://www.yourlocalguardian.co.uk/news/19643823.princess-anne-sutton-open-new-cancer-centre/ Sutton Guardian, 13 October 2021]</ref>

===Town centre regeneration===
[[File:SUTTON (Surrey), Greater London - Subsea 7.jpg|thumb|The new headquarters of Subsea 7]]
[[File:Top Shop, Sutton High St, SUTTON, Surrey, Greater London.jpg|thumb|Art deco High Street building]]
[[File:Grand Parade, Sutton High Street, SUTTON, Surrey, Greater London.jpg|thumb|Grand Parade, Sutton High Street]]

{{main|Sutton High Street}}
Several major building projects are underway or have recently been completed in the town centre:

Sutton Point, at the southern end of the town centre, will include a hotel, apart-hotel, apartments (with a [[car club]]), a health club, shops, restaurants and office space. Construction of the £90 million scheme was awarded by the developer CNM Estates to the building firm Ardmore Group, and was due for completion in December 2018.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.constructionenquirer.com/2015/07/15/ardmore-bags-90m-sutton-point-trio-of-towers/|title=Ardmore bags £90m Sutton Point trio of towers|website=Construction Enquirer News}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.yourlocalguardian.co.uk/news/13718796.work-begins-at-sutton-point-site-as-completion-set-for-mid-2018/|title=Work begins at Sutton Point site as completion set for mid-2018|website=Your Local Guardian|date=14 September 2015 }}</ref>

The Old Gas Works,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.devere-group.com/property/ImgIpg/FeaturedProperty/TheOldGasWorks/The%20Old%20Gasworks%20Sutton%20Brochure.pdf|title=The Old Gas Works|access-date=7 November 2015|archive-date=4 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304084625/https://www.devere-group.com/property/ImgIpg/FeaturedProperty/TheOldGasWorks/The%20Old%20Gasworks%20Sutton%20Brochure.pdf|url-status=dead}}</ref> a major development by LXB Retail Properties at the north end of the High Street, including apartments, a Sainsbury's supermarket, retail units and a landscaped square with fountain<ref name="landslide">{{cite web|url=http://www.suttonguardian.co.uk/news/10889271.Sutton_town_centre_gateway_project_the_Old_Gasworks_given_go_ahead/?ref=mr|title=Sutton town centre gateway project the Old Gasworks given go-ahead|date=19 December 2013 |publisher=[[Newsquest]]|access-date=20 December 2013}}</ref> was completed in 2016.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.newsroomsutton.co.uk/?p=432|title=newsroomsutton.co.uk|website=newsroomsutton.co.uk|access-date=6 September 2014|archive-date=6 September 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140906222758/http://www.newsroomsutton.co.uk/?p=432|url-status=dead}}</ref> The scheme represented a £50 million investment in the town.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.yourlocalguardian.co.uk/news/11011584.major-redevelopment-of-sutton-town-centre-to-go-ahead-with-backing-from-london-mayor-boris-johnson-and-government/|title=Major redevelopment of Sutton town centre to go ahead|website=Your Local Guardian|date=14 February 2014 }}</ref>

[[Subsea 7]] has expanded in Sutton, making it the site of its new world headquarters. The firm moved within the town to a new, purpose-built, five-storey, 17,500 square metre office building. Four hundred jobs were created, mainly by relocation, taking the workforce in Sutton to 780.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thisislocallondon.co.uk/news/10970553.High_Court_throws_out_bid_to_block_Brighton_Road_car_park_demolition/ |title=High Court throws out bid to block Brighton Road car park demolition (From This Is Local London) |date=29 January 2014 |publisher=Thisislocallondon.co.uk |access-date=29 January 2014}}</ref> Construction of the £39 million development by [[Galliford Try]] started in 2014, and was completed in late 2016.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.newsroomsutton.co.uk/?p=900|title=Galliford Try begins work on new offices in heart of Sutton|access-date=25 October 2014|archive-date=25 October 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141025175504/http://www.newsroomsutton.co.uk/?p=900|url-status=dead}}</ref>

In September 2015 the council appointed a design team led by [[Bilfinger|Bilfinger GVA]] to produce plans covering the next 15 years for the central area of the town. The plans include identifying sites for new housing and commercial space, a possible new primary school and improved transport links, including the introduction in 2020 of [[Sutton Link]] [[Tramlink]] trams to Sutton station. The plans require the retention of the "high-quality Victorian, Edwardian and Mock Tudor buildings that reflect the historic core of the town centre"<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.newsroomsutton.co.uk/?p=2004|title=newsroomsutton.co.uk|website=newsroomsutton.co.uk|access-date=2 September 2015|archive-date=6 September 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150906201013/http://www.newsroomsutton.co.uk/?p=2004|url-status=dead}}</ref>

In June 2016 a masterplan titled "Sutton 2031: Planning for our Future" was published by the council. Its plans include new developments, enhanced public space and improvements to transport. It will include:
*"A range of immediate High Street projects"
*"Transforming the St Nicholas Centre"
*"Creating a new south London destination with culture, leisure and restaurant activity"
*"Redeveloping the Civic Centre"<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://drive.google.com/file/d/1MdX6GlaHDoBdG6CTsvjFaIuPtIa9id5O/view|title=Sutton 2031 Masterplan|access-date=21 March 2018|archive-date=16 February 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200216152353/https://drive.google.com/file/d/1MdX6GlaHDoBdG6CTsvjFaIuPtIa9id5O/view|url-status=dead}}</ref>

The council plans to sell several properties, including the [[Sutton Civic Offices|Civic Centre]] site, Sutton Library, Russettings, and the disused [[Secombe Theatre]], to develop new homes, including affordable housing.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Sutton Town Centre |url=https://suttontowncentre.sutton.gov.uk/projects/sutton-civic-and-town-centre-regeneration# |access-date=2024-07-21 |website=suttontowncentre.sutton.gov.uk}}</ref> Over the next ten years, the [[Sutton High Street#St Nicholas Shopping Centre|St Nicholas Centre]] will be replaced with higher-quality buildings featuring shops, restaurants, bars, new council offices, a library, and a community hub.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Sutton Civic And Town Centre Regeneration |url=https://www.stnicssutton.co.uk/news/sutton-civic-and-town-centre-regeneration/#:~:text=Over%20the%20next%2010%20years,as%20much%2Dneeded%20affordable%20homes. |access-date=2024-07-26 |website=stnicssutton}}</ref>

====Heritage Action Zone====
[[File:SUTTON (Surrey), Greater London - Any Colour You Like (4).jpg|thumb|Multicoloured facades in the Heritage Action Zone in Sutton town centre]] 
In March 2017 it was announced that Sutton town centre had been designated one of the first ten Heritage Action Zones by [[Historic England]]. Gaining this status will unlock resources to enhance the historic environment, including the conservation area, to encourage economic growth. Heritage will be made a central consideration for new developments in the area to retain the town's distinct architectural nature.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.newsroomsutton.co.uk/?p=4394|title=newsroomsutton.co.uk|website=newsroomsutton.co.uk|access-date=22 March 2017|archive-date=23 March 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170323053452/http://www.newsroomsutton.co.uk/?p=4394|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://historicengland.org.uk/services-skills/heritage-action-zones/sutton/|title=Discovering Sutton Heritage Action Zone &#124; Historic England|website=historicengland.org.uk|date=8 June 2022 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.yourlocalguardian.co.uk/news/15185036.sutton-named-londons-first-heritage-action-zone-by-heritage-england/|title=Sutton named London's first Heritage Action Zone|website=Your Local Guardian|date=27 March 2017 }}</ref>

===Retailing===
{{main|Sutton High Street}}
'''Retailing history'''
{{multiple image
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|image1=SUTTON (Surrey), Greater London - Waterstones Bookshop.jpg
|image2=Sutton High Street, Sutton, Surrey, Greater London - Waterstones Bookshop (2).jpg
|caption2=Waterstone's Bookshop 
}}
Retailing has been a major part of the Sutton economy since the Victorian era. The oldest retail business currently operating in Sutton, Pearson Cycles, dates from the 1860s – it was originally a blacksmith shop, but in the 1890s changed to bicycle making and repair. The Pearsons have run the cycle business from the same High Street location ever since.<ref name="successfulsutton">{{cite web|url=http://www.successfulsutton.co.uk/history-of-sutton/|title=History of Sutton Town Centre|publisher=Successfulsutton.co.uk|access-date=5 December 2013|archive-date=11 December 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131211211306/http://www.successfulsutton.co.uk/history-of-sutton/|url-status=dead}}</ref> It has been recognised by [[Guinness World Records]] as the oldest bicycle shop in the world.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.pearson1860.com/pages/about-us|title=About Us - The World's Oldest Cycling Business|website=Pearson1860}}</ref>

'''Retail environment'''

Sutton is London's sixth most important retail centre, and attracts shoppers from a wide area.<ref name="suttonarchive">{{cite web|url=https://www.sutton.gov.uk/index.aspx?articleid=1530|title=Where is Sutton?|publisher=London Borough of Sutton|access-date=14 May 2017|url-status=bot: unknown|archive-url=https://archive.today/20140806173651/https://www.sutton.gov.uk/index.aspx?articleid=1530|archive-date=6 August 2014}}</ref> Sutton High Street runs for nearly a mile from Sutton Green to Sutton station, and hosts many of the country's main high street names.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://successfulsutton.co.uk/sutton-town-centre-information/|title=Sutton Town Centre Information|access-date=13 April 2021|archive-date=13 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210413234109/https://successfulsutton.co.uk/sutton-town-centre-information/|url-status=dead}}</ref>

It is often the chosen location for new retail ventures,<ref name="suttonarchive"/> for example the Sutton branch of the [[Waterstones]] bookshop chain was the first to have a café installed.<ref>{{cite web|title=Café W to be rolled out at Waterstones|url=http://www.thebookseller.com/news/caf-w-be-rolled-out-waterstones|publisher=The Bookseller|access-date=23 June 2017}}</ref>

'''Shopping centres'''

There are two covered [[shopping centres]] situated near the middle of the retail area. The larger of these is the St. Nicholas Centre with three levels, and five levels for the former [[Debenhams]] anchor store. Times Square is the smaller one – it opened in 1985, and was re-launched in 2017 following a refit.<ref name="timessquare">{{cite web|url=http://www.timessquareshopping.co.uk/|title=Times Square Shopping Centre|publisher=Times Square, Sutton|access-date=4 December 2013|archive-date=13 December 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131213015141/http://www.timessquareshopping.co.uk/|url-status=dead}}</ref> "The refit was assessed as being of high quality and making a significant contribution to the regeneration of the town centre."<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://sutton.moderngov.co.uk/documents/s32087/5%20-%20Times%20Square%20-%20REPORT.pdf |title=Sutton Modern Government |access-date=13 September 2014 |archive-date=13 September 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140913193600/http://sutton.moderngov.co.uk/documents/s32087/5%20-%20Times%20Square%20-%20REPORT.pdf |url-status=dead }}</ref>
[[File:All Bar One building, SUTTON , Surrey, Greater London (3).jpg|thumb|All Bar One, Sutton]]
[[File:Shinner & Sudtone, Sutton.jpg|thumb|upright|The Shinner and Sudtone pub on Sutton High Street]]

'''Restaurants and bars'''
Sutton has several restaurants, patisseries, coffee bars, [[gastropub]]s and bars. The central area is pedestrianised, and the extra space encourages the provision of pavement seating.

Sutton's range of restaurants has expanded in recent years, and now includes examples of [[French cuisine|French]], [[Lebanese cuisine|Lebanese]], [[British cuisine|British]], [[vegan cuisine|vegan]], [[Malaysian cuisine|Malaysian]], [[Thai cuisine|Thai]], [[Pakistani cuisine|Pakistani]], [[Portuguese cuisine|Portuguese]], [[Turkish cuisine|Turkish]], [[Sri Lankan cuisine|Sri Lankan]] and [[Japanese cuisine|Japanese]] cuisine, in addition to the more longstanding [[Italian cuisine|Italian]], [[Indian cuisine|Indian]] and [[Chinese cuisine|Chinese]] establishments.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.squaremeal.co.uk/restaurants/london-borough-of-sutton/local-restaurants|title=Restaurants near London Borough of Sutton|publisher=Squaremeal.co.uk|access-date=4 July 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Restaurants-g504182-Sutton_Surrey_England.html |title=Sutton, United Kingdom Restaurants|publisher=TripAdvisor|access-date=27 February 2014}}</ref> One French restaurant was in [[The Good Food Guide|the 2013 Good Food Guide]]<ref name="Carter">{{cite book|first=Elizabeth|last=Carter|title=The Good Food Guide 2013|year=2012|publisher=[[The Good Food Guide]]|isbn=978-1-84490-136-4|page=[https://archive.org/details/goodfoodguide2010000unse/page/166 166]|url=https://archive.org/details/goodfoodguide2010000unse/page/166}}</ref> and was [[Michelin Guide|Michelin]]-listed then.<ref name="viamichelin1">{{cite web |url=http://www.viamichelin.co.uk/web/Restaurant/Sutton-SM1_1HN-Brasserie_Vacherin-291022-41102 |title=Brasserie Vacherin ViaMichelin: Useful information and online user reviews |publisher=Viamichelin.co.uk |date=4 October 2013 |access-date=13 January 2014 |archive-date=13 January 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140113201419/http://www.viamichelin.co.uk/web/Restaurant/Sutton-SM1_1HN-Brasserie_Vacherin-291022-41102 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

'''Pop-up market'''

A "pop-up" market is held every month at the northern end of Sutton High Street. It is part of a programme to support local entrepreneurs starting their own business. Products and crafts on sale include natural cosmetics, jewellery and handmade clothing.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.newsroomsutton.co.uk/?p=3198|title=newsroomsutton.co.uk|website=newsroomsutton.co.uk|access-date=20 May 2016|archive-date=27 May 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160527094205/http://www.newsroomsutton.co.uk/?p=3198|url-status=dead}}</ref>

'''Street performance'''

The high street and town square host street performances, including music, arts and theatre. Markets are held from time to time, including French, Italian and Continental markets, as well as arts and crafts fairs.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://successfulsutton.co.uk/continental-market-comes-to-sutton-high-street/|title=Continental Market comes to Sutton High Street 5th to 8th September|date=5 September 2013|access-date=13 April 2021|archive-date=13 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210413234110/https://successfulsutton.co.uk/continental-market-comes-to-sutton-high-street/|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.successfulsutton.co.uk/home/town-centre-information/ |title=Successful Sutton |access-date=20 May 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160314180429/http://www.successfulsutton.co.uk/home/town-centre-information/ |archive-date=14 March 2016 |url-status=dead}}</ref>

In August and September the high street hosts the outdoor "Sunset Cinema," where films are shown in the evening to an audience seated in deckchairs.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.yourlocalguardian.co.uk/news/11360717.sunset-cinema-will-bring-four-outdoor-screenings-to-sutton-high-street/|title=Sunset Cinema is coming to a high street near you|website=Your Local Guardian|date=24 July 2014 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=10 August 2015 |title=Free outdoor film screenings return to Sutton including Frozen sing-a-long |url=https://www.yourlocalguardian.co.uk/news/13586046.free-outdoor-film-screenings-return-to-sutton-including-frozen-sing-a-long/ |website=Your Local Guardian}}</ref> The scheme, the only one of its kind in London, aims to encourage greater use of local restaurants and bars.<ref>[https://archive.today/20140906155126/http://www.sutton.gov.uk/suttonpress/index.aspx?articleid=17964 London Borough of Sutton Press Release July 2013]</ref> The High Street has hosted a country music festival with live music and dancing for the last two summers.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.yourlocalguardian.co.uk/news/13380091.country-festival-moseys-into-town/|title=Country Festival moseys into town|website=Your Local Guardian|date=9 July 2015 }}</ref> A temporary mini-golf course is set up during August.<ref>[http://enjoysutton.co.uk Enjoy Sutton]</ref>

'''Green wall'''

[[File:Sutton, Surrey, Greater London - Green Wall in the sun.jpg|thumb|The Green Wall in Sutton town centre]]
There is a [[green wall]] or "vertical garden" in the shopping area, designed aesthetically and to improve [[Air pollution|air quality]] and [[biodiversity]]. It provides additional breeding and nesting options in the vicinity and safeguards local [[organism|flora and fauna]]. It helps to offset the [[carbon footprint]], lowers the [[urban heat island|heat island]] effect of the urban area and reduces [[smog]] from traffic fumes. The green wall covers the façade of a large High Street store, and is in bloom all year round.<ref>[https://www.sutton.gov.uk/index.aspx?articleid=14552 London Borough of Sutton]</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.barbourproductsearch.info/sutton-high-street-development-news016360.html|title=Sutton high street development|website=barbourproductsearch.info}}</ref>
<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.sutton.gov.uk/index.aspx?articleid=14552 |title=Sutton Council archive |archive-url=https://archive.today/20140726225048/https://www.sutton.gov.uk/index.aspx?articleid=14552 |archive-date=26 July 2014 |url-status=dead}}</ref>

==Transport==
[[File:Clock by Sutton station, SUTTON, Surrey, Greater London.jpg|thumb|left|Clock installed in 2015 opposite the mainline station]]
{{multiple image
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 | image1 = Sutton (Surrey) railway station.jpg
 | caption1 =The former Sutton station c. 1905
 | image2 = Outside Sutton Station.jpg
 | caption2 =Taxis by Sutton station in 2012
 }}

[[Sutton railway station (London)|Sutton station]] is the town's major station, from where frequent direct trains run to several main central London stations − [[London Victoria railway station|London Victoria]], [[London Bridge railway station|London Bridge]], [[Blackfriars railway station|Blackfriars]], [[City Thameslink railway station|City Thameslink]] and, for [[Eurostar]] services, [[St Pancras railway station|St Pancras International]]. The station is served by [[Govia Thameslink Railway|Thameslink]] and [[Southern (train operating company)|Southern]].

The fastest of the Victoria-bound trains from Sutton station take 25 minutes (stopping at [[Carshalton railway station|Carshalton]] and [[Clapham Junction railway station|Clapham Junction]]).

As well as these direct trains to central London, there are also direct services to destinations outside central London including [[Banstead railway station|Banstead]], [[Dorking railway station|Dorking]], [[Epsom railway station|Epsom]], [[Leatherhead railway station|Leatherhead]], [[Luton railway station|Luton]], [[Horsham railway station|Horsham]], [[St Albans City railway station|St Albans]], [[West Croydon railway station|West Croydon]] and [[Wimbledon railway station|Wimbledon]].

[[West Sutton railway station|West Sutton]] and [[Sutton Common railway station|Sutton Common]] stations are both on the [[Thameslink]] lines to Wimbledon and on to central London direct. Being on the Thameslink line, they continue on to stations both within and the other side of London.

Local bus services are operated by [[London General]], [[London United Busways|London United]], [[Transport UK London Bus|Transport UK]] and [[Metrobus (South East England)|Metrobus]]. There are express coach services to [[Heathrow Airport]] and [[Gatwick Airport]].<ref name="bus">{{cite web|url=http://www.tfl.gov.uk/gettingaround/maps/buses/pdf/sutton.pdf|title=Buses from Sutton|publisher=[[Transport for London]]|access-date=7 December 2013|archive-date=24 January 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140124032916/http://www.tfl.gov.uk/gettingaround/maps/buses/pdf/sutton.pdf|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="a3">{{cite web|url=http://busmap.co.uk/tt4/A03.pdf|title=A3|publisher=Busmap.co.uk|access-date=8 December 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131212010238/http://busmap.co.uk/tt4/A03.pdf|archive-date=12 December 2013|url-status=dead}}</ref>

Road traffic is diverted away from a largely pedestrianised town centre, and there are many designated cycle routes in Sutton, along with links to neighbouring towns.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.sutton.gov.uk/index.php?articleid=4109|title=Sutton Council|first=Sutton|last=Council|website=sutton.gov.uk}}</ref> There are three main car parks in the town centre and a [[car club]].<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.sutton.gov.uk/download/downloads/id/1539/section_x11_transport.pdf |title=Sutton Council document – transport |access-date=28 October 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161028215819/https://www.sutton.gov.uk/download/downloads/id/1539/section_x11_transport.pdf |archive-date=28 October 2016 |url-status=dead}}</ref>

===Sutton Tube Station===

In the early 1920s, Sutton was slated to become part of the [[London Underground]] network by creating a [[Sutton Underground Line Proposal|Sutton Underground Station]]. The plan was for Sutton to serve as the final stop for both the [[Northern line|Northern Line]] and the [[District line|District Line]]. To facilitate this, the [[Wimbledon and Sutton Railway|Wimbledon to Sutton]] route was constructed. However, due to the outbreak of World War I, funding shortages led to the [[Northern line|Northern Line extension]] being halted at [[Morden tube station|Morden]], and [[Sutton railway station (London)|Sutton]] remained and still remains without direct underground service<ref>{{cite web |author=Jackson, Alan A. |date=1966-12-01 |title= "The Wimbledon & Sutton Railway – A late arrival on the South London suburban scene" |url=https://sremg.org.uk/RlyMag/WimbledonSuttonRly.pdf |accessdate=2021-02-15 |publisher=The Railway Magazine}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |author=The London Gazette |date=1922-11-24 |title= "CITY AND SOUTH LONDON RAILWAY" |url=https://www.thegazette.co.uk/London/issue/32770/page/8314 |accessdate=2021-02-15 |publisher= The London Gazette}}</ref>

===Sutton Link and TramLink===

In 2014 a consultation was held into options for the route of a proposed [[Tramlink|TramLink]] extension from [[Sutton Link|Wimbledon to Sutton]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.newsroomsutton.co.uk/?p=746|title=newsroomsutton.co.uk|website=newsroomsutton.co.uk|access-date=26 July 2014|archive-date=4 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304031348/http://www.newsroomsutton.co.uk/?p=746|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Murphy-Pyle |first=Mike |date=22 July 2014 |title=Have your say on Wimbledon to Sutton Tramlink extension as four possible routes are revealed |url=https://www.yourlocalguardian.co.uk/news/11357417.have-your-say-on-wimbledon-to-sutton-tramlink-extension-as-four-possible-routes-are-revealed/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230331204712/https://www.yourlocalguardian.co.uk/news/11357417.have-your-say-on-wimbledon-to-sutton-tramlink-extension-as-four-possible-routes-are-revealed/ |archive-date=31 March 2023 |website=Your Local Guardian}}</ref> 
The [[Sutton Link]] was a proposed new tram line in [[South London]], connecting [[Sutton railway station (London)|Sutton Train Station]] to [[Colliers Wood tube station|Colliers Wood Tube Statio]]n via [[St Helier railway station|St Helier]]. Proposed since the early 2000s, consultations on the proposed route took place in the late 2010s. A preferred route was announced in February 2020, with the Sutton-to-Colliers-Wood alignment being selected. However, financial issues caused by the COVID-19 pandemic led Transport for London to put the project on hold in July 2020. Although the plan would later be revisited in the [[London Plan]] 2021.<ref>{{Cite web |last=O'Connor |first=Tara |date=2020-02-17 |title=Plan to extend Croydon tram network to Sutton moves a step closer |url=https://www.mylondon.news/news/south-london-news/plan-extend-croydon-tram-network-17764833 |access-date=2024-02-03 |website=My London |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":1">{{cite web |author= |date=2020-07-29 |title='Kick in the teeth' - TfL pause tram extension to Sutton |url=https://www.yourlocalguardian.co.uk/news/18615136.kick-teeth---tfl-put-sutton-tram-extension-hold/?ref=ebmpn |accessdate=2021-02-15 |publisher=Your Local Guardian}}</ref>

==Notable people==
[[File:Noel Coward Allan warren edit 1.jpg|thumb|[[Noël Coward]]]]
[[File:QuentinCrisp-RossBennettLewisPHOTO.jpg|thumb|[[Quentin Crisp]]]]
See [[London Borough of Sutton]] for complete borough-wide list. The individuals listed below are specifically linked to the town of Sutton.

*[[Martin Adams]], professional [[darts]] player, was born in Sutton
*[[Joan Armatrading]], singer-songwriter and musician, lived in Sutton in the 1970s
*[[Ben Barnes (actor)|Ben Barnes]], actor, attended [[Homefield Preparatory School]]
*[[David Bellamy]], broadcaster and botanist, attended [[Sutton Grammar School]]
*[[Sally Bercow]], wife of the former [[Speaker of the House of Commons (United Kingdom)|Speaker of the House of Commons]], [[John Bercow]]
*[[Johnny Borrell]], guitarist, singer and frontman of the band [[Razorlight]]
*[[Alec Clifton-Taylor]], architectural historian and broadcaster, was born in Sutton
*[[Noël Coward]], actor and playwright, lived in Lenham Road between the ages of seven and ten<ref>{{Cite web |last= |first= |title=Sir Noël Coward (1899–1973) historical plaques and markers |url=http://openplaques.org/people/4468 |website=openplaques.org}}</ref>
*[[Constance Cox]], playwright and scriptwriter, born in Sutton<ref>{{cite news|work=Independent|title=Obituary: Constance Cox|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/obituary-constance-cox-1170945.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220525/https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/obituary-constance-cox-1170945.html |archive-date=25 May 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live|access-date=2 October 2018}}</ref>
*[[James Cracknell]], Olympic gold medallist in [[rowing (sport)|rowing]]
*[[Quentin Crisp]], writer, author, [[raconteur]] was born in Sutton
*[[Clark Datchler]], lead singer of [[Johnny Hates Jazz]]
*[[Jack Draper (tennis)|Jack Draper]], professional tennis player, born in Sutton<ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-06-28|title=Jack Draper takes a set off Novak Djokovic but knocked out by defending champion|url=https://www.swlondoner.co.uk/sport/28062021-jack-draper-takes-a-set-off-novak-djokovic-but-knocked-out-by-defending-champ/|access-date=2022-01-23|website=South West Londoner|language=en-GB}}</ref>
*[[Brett Goldstein]], actor, comedian and writer, was born in Sutton in 1980
*[[Sketchman|Charles Hazell]], recording artist better known by the stage name [[Sketchman]], was born in Sutton in 1988
*[[Catherine Holman]], actress, born in Sutton.
*[[Jon Hiseman]], drummer with the pioneering progressive jazz-rock band [[Colosseum (band)|Colosseum]], was born in Sutton
*[[James Hunt]], racing driver and 1976 [[Formula One]] World Champion, lived in Sutton as a child
*[[Archibald Joyce]], waltz composer, at 75 Langley Park Road from 1932 until his death in 1963.
*[[Penelope Keith]], actress, and famous for her role in [[The Good Life (1975 TV series)|''The Good Life'']], was born in Sutton
*[[Ruth Kelly]], former Labour Party member of parliament and Transport Secretary, attended [[Sutton High School (London)|Sutton High School]]
*[[Rebecca Litchfield]], photographer, was born in Sutton
*[[Bradley McIntosh]], member of former chart topping band [[S Club 7]], attended Greenshaw High School
*[[Robbie McIntosh]], air guitarist first strummed his tennis racket in Sutton High Street
*[[Katie Melua]], award-winning singer, songwriter and musician, lived in Gander Green Lane, Sutton
*[[Phyllis King (tennis)|Phyllis Mudford King]] (1906–2006), [[The Championships, Wimbledon|Wimbledon]] ladies doubles winner 1931 attended [[Sutton High School (London)|Sutton High School]]<ref>{{Cite news |last=Henderson |first=John |date=2004-06-27 |title='It was a sport in my day' |language=en-GB |work=[[The Guardian]] |url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2004/jun/27/wimbledon2004.wimbledon4 |url-status=live |access-date=2023-05-27 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230110184947/https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2004/jun/27/wimbledon2004.wimbledon4 |archive-date=10 January 2023 |issn=0261-3077}}</ref>
*[[Brian Paddick, Baron Paddick]], the British Liberal Democrat politician, attended Sutton Grammar School for Boys<ref>{{Cite news |last=Dodd |first=Vikram |date=2003-11-28 |title=The Guardian profile: Brian Paddick |language=en-GB |work=[[The Guardian]] |url=https://www.theguardian.com/uk/2003/nov/28/gayrights.ukcrime |url-status=live |access-date=2023-05-27 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221001064521/https://www.theguardian.com/uk/2003/nov/28/gayrights.ukcrime |archive-date=1 October 2022 |issn=0261-3077}}</ref>
[[File:Jack Draper (50088332011).jpg|thumb|[[Jack Draper (tennis)|Jack Draper]]]]
*[[Peter Penfold]], diplomat, attended [[Sutton Grammar School]].
*[[Sidney Richard Percy]], painter, lived in Mulgrave Road, Sutton.<ref name=":0">{{cite book |last=Beasley |first=Maureen |title=Five Centuries of Artists in Sutton: A biographical dictionary of artists associated with Sutton, London |publisher=Sutton Libraries and Arts Services |year=1989 |isbn=0-907335-19-5}}</ref>{{Rp|page=97}}
*Frank Potter, artist and art teacher, was born in Sutton in 1896.<ref name=":0" />{{Rp|page=100}}
*[[Michael Reeves (director)|Michael Reeves]], film director and screenwriter, best known for the 1968 film ''[[Witchfinder General (film)|Witchfinder General]]''
*[[Gavin Roynon]], cricketer and military historian, was born in Sutton.
*[[Dora Russell]] (born Dora Black, 1894–1986), author, feminist and progressive campaigner, attended [[Sutton High School (London)|Sutton High School]].
*Sir [[Harry Secombe]], the humourist, singer, comedian, entertainer and member of the [[Goon Show]] cast, was a local resident and personality. The [[Secombe Theatre]] in Sutton is named after him.
*[[Marianna Spring]], disinformation correspondent for the [[BBC]], attended Sutton High School.
*[[Ian Stewart (musician)|Ian Stewart]], co-founder of [[The Rolling Stones]].
*[[Graham Sutherland]], painter, etcher and designer, attended [[Homefield Preparatory School]], Sutton.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.chrisbeetles.com/pictures/artists/Sutherland_Graham/Sutherland_Graham.htm|title=G Sutherland biography|first=Chris|last=Beetles|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071127103511/http://www.chrisbeetles.com/pictures/artists/Sutherland_Graham/Sutherland_Graham.htm|archive-date=27 November 2007}}</ref>
*[[Graham Tope, Baron Tope|Baron Tope of Sutton]], [[Liberal Democrats (UK)|Liberal Democrat]] politician 
*[[Tyler West]], DJ and TV presenter 
*[[Helen Young (weather forecaster)|Helen Young]], BBC Weather presenter and former [[BBC Weather Centre]] manager lives here
*[[Zacron]], born Richard Drew, designer of the ''[[Led Zeppelin III]]'' album cover
{{clear}}

==Education==
{{multiple image
|direction=vertical
|width=300
|image1=Sutton High School for girls Sutton London Surrey.JPG
|caption1=Sutton High School for Girls
|image2=Sutton Grammar School, SUTTON, Surrey, Greater London.jpg
|caption2=Sutton Grammar School for Boys
|image3=SUTTON (Surrey), Greater London - Eagle House School.jpg
|caption3=Eagle House School
}}

===Schools===
Sutton is the principal town in the London Borough of Sutton, a top performing borough for education. The town is home to a significant number of the borough's schools, including one of its boys' grammar schools, its boys' preparatory school and its girls' private secondary school.

'''Primary schools'''

{|
|-
|valign="top"|
* All Saints Benhilton, C of E Primary
* Brookfield Primary School
* Avenue Primary
* Devonshire Primary
* [[Homefield Preparatory School]]
|valign="top"|
* Manor Park Primary
* Robin Hood Infants
* Robin Hood Junior
* Westbourne Primary
|}

'''Secondary schools'''
{|
|-
|valign="top"|
* [[Glenthorne High School]]
* [[Greenshaw High School]]
* [[Overton Grange School]]
* [[Harris Academy Sutton]]
|valign="top"|
* [[Sutton Grammar School|Sutton Grammar School for Boys]]
* [[Sutton High School (London)|Sutton High School]] for Girls (independent school)
* Eagle House School (specialist autism school)
|}

In 2013 Sutton's GCSE performance was second across all boroughs in England.<ref>{{Cite web |date=23 January 2014 |title=GCSE league tables: One in three London pupils leave school without five good grades |url=https://www.standard.co.uk/news/education/gcse-league-tables-one-in-three-london-pupils-leave-school-without-five-good-grades-9080236.html |website=[[London Evening Standard]]}}</ref> In 2011 Sutton was the top performing borough in England.<ref>[http://www.yourlocalguardian.co.uk/yoursay/schools/9503933.SUTTON_TOPS_GCSE_LEAGUE_TABLES/ SUTTON TOPS GCSE LEAGUE TABLES (From Your Local Guardian)]. Yourlocalguardian.co.uk (31 January 2012). Retrieved 17 July 2013.</ref> For more performance information see [[London Borough of Sutton]].

===Adult education===
The main centre of [[Sutton College]], originally named Sutton College of Liberal Arts, is based in Sutton. The college offers over 1000 part-time courses at its borough-wide centres.

==Sport==
[[Sutton United F.C.]] were relegated from [[EFL League Two]], the 4th level of the English football pyramid, at the end of the 2023/2024 season. They had been promoted to the league for the first time in their 123-year history after winning the [[2020-21 National League]]. Nicknamed The U's, they [[Sutton United 2–1 Coventry City (1989)|famously beat]] [[Coventry City F.C.|Coventry City]] in the [[FA Cup]] in 1989. In 2016–17 they reached the 5th Round of the FA Cup for the first time, beating three Football League teams.<ref>{{cite web |last=Lawrence |first=Andy |date=20 January 2017 |title=Sutton's Deacon dares to dream but Arsenal finally end FA Cup fairytale |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2017/feb/20/sutton-united-arsenal-fa-cup-match-report |access-date=21 February 2017 |work=[[The Guardian]] |place=Gander Green Lane}}</ref> Sutton United's ground is [[Gander Green Lane]].

[[Sutton Common Rovers F.C.]] play in the [[Isthmian League]] South Central Division.

Sutton Cricket Club is based in Cheam Road. The club's 1st XI plays at the highest level of the sport available to it, the [[Surrey Championship]] Premier Division, which they won in 2009.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.suttoncricketclub.com/|title=Home|website=Sutton Cricket Club}}</ref>

Cheam Hockey Club is a [[field hockey]] club that competes in the [[London Hockey League]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.cheamhockeyclub.co.uk/|title=Cheam Hockey Club |access-date=16 October 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.englandhockey.co.uk/clubs/cheam-hc|title=England Hockey - Cheam Hockey Club |access-date=16 October 2024}}</ref>

==References==

{{Reflist}}

===Bibliography===
{{refbegin}}
* Charles J. Marshall (1971). ''History of Cheam & Sutton''. S.R. Publishers Ltd. {{ISBN|0-85409-649-3}}.
* Robert P. Smith (1970). ''A History of Sutton AD 675–1960''. Published by Derek W. James, no ISBN.
* Martin Andrew (2001). ''Around Sutton''. Frith Book Company Ltd. {{ISBN|1-85937-337-2}}.
{{refend}}

==Further reading==
* {{Citation |publisher = John Murray |location = London |title = Handbook to the Environs of London |first = James |last = Thorne |year = 1876 |chapter= Sutton |hdl = 2027/mdp.39015063815677?urlappend=%3Bseq=191 |chapter-url= http://hdl.handle.net/2027/mdp.39015063815677?urlappend=%3Bseq=191 }}
* {{Citation |publisher = Cassell & Co. |location = London |title = Greater London |first = Edward|last = Walford|author-link = Edward Walford |year = 1883 |oclc = 3009761 |chapter= Sutton |chapter-url=https://archive.org/stream/greaterlondonnar02walf#page/207/mode/1up }}
* {{Citation |title=A History of the County of Surrey: Volume 4|editor=H.E. Malden |year = 1912|chapter=Sutton|chapter-url=http://www.british-history.ac.uk/report.aspx?compid=43058&strquery=sutton,%20surrey }}

==External links==
{{Portal|London}}
{{commons category|Sutton, London}}

* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RXlAOl7H8Lw Manor Park (1927).] Three-minute amateur film shot in 1927 from ''Sutton Local Studies and Archive'' showing various aspects of Sutton town centre, including people at leisure in Manor Park and a policeman directing traffic at the main crossroads.
* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s4EIN5Ridso&list=PL7jpXjbhwCWxaYXFrrwWKcS1qCn0gOZwC Sutton Carnival Procession (1933).] Three-minute film from 1933 covering spectators in Mulgrave Road near Sutton railway station and a carnival procession, which includes a fire engine and several floats from a range of organisations and businesses.
* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cw3-xHFiQSE "Trolleybus Route 654 in Sutton Surrey, 1950s"] Five-minute film shot in the late 50s, showing the trolloybus route

{{LB Sutton}}
{{London Districts}}

[[Category:Sutton, London| ]]
[[Category:Districts of the London Borough of Sutton]]
[[Category:Areas of London]]
[[Category:Metropolitan centres of London]]