Balham, this is Balham
![](http://web.archive.org./web/20190412132755im_/http://homepage.mac.com/blackmarketclash/Bands/Clash/recordings/1980/80-02-22%20Balham.jpg)
I've just been on a bit of a history trawl of the suburb and, who woulda thunk it, the glory that is Balham Station is 150 years old this year:
The railway enabled people to live in Balham and commute into work in central London. Increasing numbers of people moved away from the overcrowded areas of central London and into the more spacious houses and healthier environment of Balham.This info comes from the Museum of London's excellent Postcode Project. Big up Drumz of the South, fellow south London history soldier (!) for the heads up.
Meanwhile www.balham.com informs me of the horrifying news that Jimmy Hill was born in my fair suburb.