Wimbledon is synonymous with tennis. However, it has a fascinating history that has nothing to do with the Centre Court. Wimbledon`s manor house was a home of the Elizabethan Cecil family and, in later years, of the Spencers. The new railway encouraged development in this rural area and endangered even the Common, which was saved in 1871. Notable residents have included William Pitt, William Wilberforce (also a resident of Clapham), John Horne Tooke and Joseph Bazalgette.