Duke's Head, Wallington Green

A Memory of Wallington.

I lived just behind the Duke's Head from 1945 till the late 60's, and I believe this was where my parents met before World War II. My dad was working as a part time barman and my mother was sent by my grandmother to inform my grandfather, that it was time for him to drink up and get himself home for his tea! Mr Parker, the pub landlord in the 50's used to keep a dog called Duke. He was a friendly dog, especially when our own labrador bitch was on heat and on one occasion followed me all the way to school at Carew Manor; where Wallington County Boys were based for their first two years. The prefect on the gate told me to send the dog home, but Duke wasn't too keen to go. Eventually, after he had followed me inside and up the stairs, I was able to shut him outside the classroom door before apologising, red faced, to my teacher for lateness. Of course the Duke's Head was too close to home for me to have my first pint so my friends and I used the Fox and Hounds in Carshalton, until we were legally able to enjoy a game of darts in the Duke's cosy public bar.