Cannon Hill Common facts for kids
Cannon Hill Common is a lovely public park found in the London Borough of Merton. It's located close to the areas of Raynes Park and Morden. This park is also home to a special area called a Local Nature Reserve, which helps protect local wildlife. You can also find the Paddock Allotments here, where people grow their own fruits and vegetables.
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Discovering Cannon Hill Common's Past
Cannon Hill Common has a long and interesting history. Even though it's called a "common," it wasn't always land that everyone could use freely. For many centuries, this land belonged to a place called Merton Priory, which was like a monastery founded way back in the 1100s. Later, it became part of a large property known as the Cannon Hill Estate.
From Farmland to a Grand Estate
For a long time, the land was used for farming. Then, probably after 1762, a large house called Cannon Hill House was built. The beautiful lake you see today was created in the 1700s and was part of the fancy gardens around the house. By 1880, the house was empty, and the land around it was being farmed again. The house used to sit at the top of the common, right by the pond and a wooded area. This woodland became a special bird sanctuary in 1927, meaning it was a safe place for birds to live.
Exciting Events in the 1800s
In the 1800s, when the estate was very active, exciting horse races called steeple chases used to happen here. Local wealthy people would race their horses from Raynes' farm all the way to Cannon Hill lake and back along what is now Blenheim Road. The Cannon Hill estate was also full of wild animals like pheasants, partridges, hares, and rabbits, making it a popular spot for hunting parties.
How the Park Was Created
In the early 1900s, a local house builder named Mr. Blay offered about 60 acres (which is about 24 hectares) of land to the Merton and Morden Urban District Council. He wanted them to create Cannon Hill Common for everyone to enjoy. The Council agreed and bought about 53 and a half acres for £17,610. The park officially opened its gates to the public on 9 April 1927, becoming a wonderful green space for the community.
The Pavilion and Its Story
There used to be a building called a pavilion on the common. In the early 1970s, it was used for a holiday play scheme where kids could have fun. Later, in the late 1980s, it became a cafe. Sadly, in 2008, the pavilion was destroyed by a fire that was started on purpose. The remains of the building were taken down, and even though Merton Council had plans to rebuild it, nothing has happened yet.
