Merton

Merton,outer borough (1991 pop. 161,800) of Greater London, SE England. The area is largely residential with some industry, including tanning and the manufacture of silk and calico prints, varnish and paint, and toys. An annual fair dating from Elizabethan times is held within the borough at Mitcham, and one of the largest mosques in Europe is in Morden. Merton also contains Wimbledon, England's tennis headquarters; the first Wimbledon Championship match took place in 1877. Cricket and golf matches are also played. GeorgeEliotlived in Wimbledon. Merton has remains of a priory that was founded in 1115 and destroyed by ThomasCromwell.沃尔特•德•Merton, Lord High Chancellor to Henry III and founder of Merton College, Oxford, andThomas à Becketwere educated at the priory. Admiral HoratioNelsonand Lady EmmaHamiltonlived together in Merton Park.

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