Historically the land at Southcote was used for farming and gravel extraction. Farms such as Calvespit Farm (), Honey End Farm (), Southcote Manor Farm (), and Southcote Farm () were in the area. The 1888 Kelly's Directory lists some residents of Southcote Lane as being employed as coachmen, butlers, gardeners, labourers, florists, dairy farmers, thatchers and . One resident was a member of the county police, and Major-General C J Addington resided at Southcote Lodge. An Ordnance Survey map surveyed in the 1870s also identifies a vinery and kennels.