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Dr Ralph Blegborough (April 8, 1769 – January 23, 1827) was a physician and “man mid-wife” whose interest in obstetrics and gynaecology made him one of the leading doctors – if not the lead – doctor in this field of his day. His work – particularly with working class women – led to a number of major studies to improve childbirth. He was born in Richmond, Yorkshire, and educated at Edinburgh, but made his home in London. In 1820 he bought Furzedown Farm, which is variously described as a dairy and market garden concern being between 64 and 140 acres, in the Mitcham Lane area. This he began to develop, demolishing the old farmhouse and building the Regency Villas close to the common by Clairview Road. But he landed in trouble with the vestry – a prototype local authority – when he started laying out a road across Tooting Common. He had been granted permission by the Lord of Manor to do so, but he soon learned that it wasn’t his to give. It was here that the good doctor showed his beside manner went beyond his patients, he immediately wrote to the vestry “expressing sorrow at having given offence” but he “thought he was doing a kindness by improving the parish”. To further show contrition he asked to be fined. This they duly did and, at the same time, in January 1825, he was granted permission “to be allowed to make a road across the common to the private road to Mr Haigh’s House [Furzedown House]”. The only condition on this occasion was that he was to maintain the upkeep of the road out of his own expense.
