Francis Grose

Mulberry Cottage, on Wandsworth Common, was the home of Francis Grose - a writer from the eighteenth century who was particularly passionate about words. His best-known work, .A Classical Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue", is a record of eighteenth-century slang, including words like:

GIGGER: A latch, or door. Dub the gigger; open the door.

RUM DUBBER: A thief who picks locks.

GOLLUMPUS: A large, clumsy fellow.

RANTIPOLE: A rude romping boy or girl.

SMELLING CHEAT: An orchard, or garden.