The origins of Clapham date back to Saxon times, specifically a settlement known as "Osgod Clapha". This was pretty tiny, and it didn't develop much beyond hamlet size for quite some time. The Common provided grazing for livestock then, and was still being used for this purpose right up until the start of the 20th century.
The land around Clapham was fairly marshy, and this limited development in the Middle Ages. By the 17th century highwaymen were a common sight on the Common, with Robert Forrestor one of the most unusual. Described as a "notorious sinner", Forrestor rode his horse dressed in ladies' nighties and pinched as much money as he could from passing stagecoaches.
Clapham began to develop at the end of the 17th century, as the Fire of London led to many homeless north Londoners arriving in their droves. Prostitution also became quite big business, although the women concerned mostly avoided the Common, which has now become the focus for furtive night time encounters.
The 19th century saw the construction of Clapham Junction station, and industry grew up around this part of the borough. Industry brought in more workers, and so housing development occurred as a result of this.
The 20th century didn't really see that much more development. Today Clapham is a popular residential district, with a thriving atmosphere and plenty of pleasant pubs, bars, restaurants and shops.
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