Hanging Wood, London facts for kids

Hanging Wood in 1920, which is now Maryon Wilson Park

Hanging Wood was once a large forest area in what is now southeast London. It stretched between Woolwich Common and Charlton. Today, parts of this historic wood are preserved as beautiful green spaces like Maryon Park, Maryon Wilson Park, and Gilbert's Pit in the Royal Borough of Greenwich.

What Was Hanging Wood?

Hanging Wood was a significant woodland that covered a large part of southeast London many years ago. It was a natural forest area, much bigger than the parks you see today. This wood played a role in the local history of the area.

Where Was It Located?

This ancient wood was found in the southeast part of London. It was located between two well-known areas: Woolwich Common and the town of Charlton. Imagine a big forest connecting these places long ago.

Why Is It Called Hanging Wood?

Many people might think the name "Hanging Wood" means it was a place where people were hanged. However, the real reason for the name is much simpler and comes from nature. The wood was located on steep slopes. This made the trees look like they were "hanging" down the side of the hill. The word "hang" in this case comes from an old English word, "hangra," which means a wooded slope. So, it's named for its natural appearance, not for any other reason.

Who Used Hanging Wood?

In the past, Hanging Wood was known as a hideout for highwaymen. These were people who would stop travelers on roads like Shooter's Hill and Blackheath. They used the thick trees and hidden paths of the wood to stay out of sight. It was a good place for them to hide because it was so dense and large.

Hanging Wood Today: Parks and Green Spaces

Even though the large forest is gone, parts of Hanging Wood are still here for us to enjoy. These areas have been turned into public parks and natural spaces.

• Maryon Park is one of the places where you can still see parts of the old wood.
• Maryon Wilson Park is another beautiful park that was once part of Hanging Wood. It's known for its animal enclosure.
• Gilbert's Pit is also a preserved area that gives us a glimpse into what the original Hanging Wood was like.

These parks help us remember the history of this ancient woodland and provide important green spaces for people and wildlife today.