Parliament Hill
| Parliament Hill | |
| Middlesex | |
|---|---|
 View of central London from Parliament Hill | |
| Summit: | 322 feet TQ276862 51°33’37"N, 0°9’38"W |
Parliament Hill is a hill forming the south-east corner of Hampstead Heath in Middlesex. Despite the proximity of the swollen townscape all around, this is an area of open parkland much enjoyed by the residents of the towns surrounding it. The hill, which is 322 feet high, is notable for its excellent views of the capital's skyline. Many famous landmarks can be seen from its summit such as Canary Wharf and St Paul's Cathedral in the City of London.
The hill is six and a half miles from Parliament after which it is named, but how “Parliament Hill” got its name is unknown, if subject to several theories.
History
In 1133, the hill was part of a manor that Henry I gave to a baron called Richard de Balta. During Henry II's reign it was passed to Alexander de Barentyn, the king's butler. The area, which became known as Traitors' Hill, acquired its current name in the 17th century because during the Civil War it was defended by troops loyal to Parliament. A legend states that this was the site from where Guy Fawkes and Robert Catesby planned to watch the destruction of Parliament in the Gunpowder Plot on 5 November 1605.
Over time, plots of land in the manor were sold off for building, particularly in the early 19th century, though the hill remained mainly common land. In 1875 Hampstead Heath was acquired for the people by the Metropolitan Board of Works.[1] Thirteen years later Parliament Hill was purchased for the public for £300,000 and added to Hampstead Heath.
Nevertheless, manorial rights to the land remained in private hands until the mid 20th century when they lapsed under Sir Spencer Pocklington Maryon Wilson, though the titular estate itself was passed on to Shane Gough, 5th Viscount Gough.[2]
Until the 1940s, livestock was still reared on the hill to be sold through Smithfields, the London meat market.
The City of London Corporation has managed Parliament Hill since 1989.[3] Before then, it was managed by various local authorities.
On the hill
Parliament Hill is the focal point of Hampstead Heath and gives the Heath its famous view over London. The upper parts of the hill are still unmown in summer, and is crisscrossed by a network of pathways.
The grasses on Hampstead heath are not all natural, native grass but are farm grasses once cultivated for grazing, a legacy from the time when the heath was a meadow for meat.
Public amenities include a racecourse and an adventure playground - it is also home to a flock of flamingos.
Name
How Parliament Hill got its name is unknown. Parliament has never met here. The Houses of Parliament would in former years have been visible from the hill.
The leading theory for the name of the hill is that the hill was a defensive stronghold during the Civil War held by the forces of Parliament; an earlier name was Traitor's Hill, though whether that is also from its occupation by Parliament in defiance of the King one cannot say.
Edward Walford writes that the hill:[4]
'was formerly known by the name of Traitors' Hill, from being the rendezvous, real or reputed, of the associates of Guy Fawkes. It is traditionally stated that it was upon this spot that the conspirators anxiously awaited the expected explosion on the 5th of November, 1605. It was called also Parliament Hill. "The more common tradition," says Mr. Thorne, "is that it was called Parliament Hill, from the Parliamentary generals having planted cannon on it for the defence of London".'
Hampstead Heath was for many years the gathering place of the men of Middlesex when electing the county's two members of Parliament, which may serve as another theory of the name's origin if without tradition behind it.
Local area
The hill is part of Hampstead Heath and administered as such by the City of London Corporation.[3] The Eastern (Highgate) side, including Parliament Hill Lido, is known as Parliament Hill Fields, and a local girls' school, Parliament Hill School, is named after it.
Activities
Parliament Hill is renowned as a cross-country running venue and hosted the 2009 English National Championships. It is a popular place that is used by walkers, runners and kite flyers. The 2012 English National Cross Country Championships were also staged at Parliament Hills.
The hill has been used as a location in several films.
Panorama
See also
- Tynwald Hill on the Isle of Man
Outside links
References
- ↑ Thompson, Hampstead, 130, 165, 195, 317-18, 329- 30; G.L.R.O., E/MW/H, old no. 27/15 (sales parts. 1875).
- ↑ Hampstead - Manor and Other Estates
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 Hampstead Heath
- ↑ 'Highgate: Part 2 of 2', Old and New London: Volume 5 (1878), by Edward Walford, pp. 405-428