Winkworth Barnes Estate Agents

A little bit of history
The River Thames has played a vital role in shaping the history of Barnes. From the beginning, the river was of vital importance for fishing, transport and communication, connecting Barnes with London. In the 17th Century there was an explosion in market gardening and small industry in Barnes to feed demand from London's markets and traders. Then in the 18th Century many wealthy Londoners came down river to make their homes in Barnes, boosting the economy. But the reliance on the river also meant the lack of a direct road, helping to preserve some of Barnes' rural character.

Need to know
Rockstar Marc Bolan's met his untimely end in Barnes in his 1977 car crash. The site is now a Rock Shrine and a Site of Rock 'n' Roll Importance recognised by the English Tourist Board.

Gustav Holst and Ninette de Valois lived on The Terrace.

The Beatles recorded 'All you need is love' in Barnes.

Shopping
These days it seems like every town has a farmers' market, but Barnes is home to one of London's oldest. The Barnes Farmers' Market is open every Saturday and offers fresh fruit and vegetables, cakes and breads, cheeses, all sorts of homemade treats and even fresh sushi. If you can't wait till Saturday for your locally-produced fare, head to Rose House, (home of the Barnes Community Association) for the Barnes Country Market. It offers homemade cakes, homemade pies, ethnic cuisine and preserves and chutneys made by local producers every morning. Barnes is also home to an array of independent shops including Angelica's Fine Foods, Pat's Food Store, off-licence Lea & Sandeman, Seals butchers, Barnes fish shop, The Real Cheese Shop and Parish Bakery as well as a Tesco Express, and Sainsbury's Local and the popular home-cooked ready-meal shop Cook. For gifts and retail therapy we recommend Riverside Gallery, Wetland Centre Art Gallery, Barnes Book Shop, Barnes Jewellery Company, Sun Inn flower stall, Totally Swedish and Shoenique.