My aunt and her family lived in Morden, and we used to walk in Wandle Park when I was a child and a teenager. My mum used to take me into London to the British Museum – my favouite was the Egyptian mummies, hers was the Sutton Hoo treasure. Also, I was a rather nesh young teenager and she got me permission to wear tights at school in the winter – when only bare legs were allowed. The only place you could get tights in those days (early 1960s, just before mini-skirts) was in London shops where ballet dancers went. Lovely!

PS You can make enquiries at the College of Arms – contact the Officer in Waiting at https://www.college-of-arms.gov.uk/contact-us

Yes, Heraldry is a language in symbols. See http://www.heraldry-wiki.com/heraldrywiki/wiki/Wandsworth (scroll down to the second image)

Your image is the official blazon of the Metropolitan Borough of Wandsworth, 1901, and is a history lesson in miniature. Blue and gold chequers – the Warrenes, Earles of Surrey. Blue drops, tears of the Huguenots as you say, how poignant. Stars – five parishes. Red crosses – city of London. Nebuly party line – wonderful word! – the winding Wandle and Thames. Dragon ship crest for the 9th century Danes.

Yes, it is a beautiful river now. You would love the birdlife there – it’s possible to catch sight of kingfishers if you’re alert.

It looks just like a pattern until you know they are tears. I wonder who designed the crest? I could probably find out from Battersea Library.