Parliament Hill, London facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Parliament Hill |
|
|---|---|
View of Canary Wharf and the City of London from Parliament Hill (June 2017).
|
|
| Type | Public park |
| Location | Hampstead Heath, London |
| Area | 932 acres (3.77 km2) |
| Created | 1888 |
| Operated by | City of London Corporation |
| Status | All year |
Parliament Hill is a large open park area. It is located in the south-east part of Hampstead Heath in north-west London. This hill is 98 meters (about 321 feet) high. It is famous for its amazing views of London's skyline.
From the top of Parliament Hill, you can see many famous London landmarks. The Houses of Parliament are about 6.25 miles (10 kilometers) south. You can still see them, even with new buildings in between.
Contents
History of Parliament Hill
Ancient Times and Early Owners
A small mound on Parliament Hill might have been a burial site from the Bronze Age. This was a very long time ago! In 1133, King Henry I gave the land to a baron named Richard de Balta. Later, during the time of King Henry II, the land passed to Alexander de Barentyn. He was the king's butler.
Why is it Called Parliament Hill?
The area was once known as Traitors' Hill. It might have gotten its current name during the English Civil War in the 1600s. During this war, soldiers who supported the English Parliament used the hill. There is a legend that Guy Fawkes and Robert Catesby planned to watch Parliament explode from here. This was part of the Gunpowder Plot in 1605.
Becoming a Public Park
Over many years, some parts of the land were sold for building houses. But the hill itself mostly stayed as common land. This means it was land that everyone could use. In 1875, Hampstead Heath was bought for the public. Thirteen years later, in 1888, Parliament Hill was also bought for £300,000. It was then added to Hampstead Heath for everyone to enjoy.
For a long time, people still raised farm animals on the hill. These animals were sold at Smithfields, a meat market in London. This continued until the 1940s. Since 1989, the City of London Corporation has looked after Parliament Hill. Before that, other local councils managed it.
Local Area Around the Hill
The City of London Corporation manages Parliament Hill. They also manage the rest of Hampstead Heath. The eastern side of the hill is known as Parliament Hill Fields. This area includes the Parliament Hill Lido, which is a public swimming pool. A local girls' school, Parliament Hill School, is also named after the hill.
Activities at Parliament Hill
Cross-Country Running Events
Parliament Hill is a very popular place for cross-country running. Many big running events have been held here. This includes the men's and women's English National Cross Country Championships. These races bring many runners to the hill.
Hampstead Rugby Club Training
The hill is also used by Hampstead Rugby Club. Their senior men's and women's teams train here. They use the middle of the running track and other parts of the hill. The men's section of this club is one of the oldest rugby clubs in the world.
Parliament Hill in Media
Parliament Hill has been featured in many films, TV shows, and books.
Films Featuring Parliament Hill
- The Wedding Date – 2005
- Notes On A Scandal – 2006
- Run Fatboy Run – 2007
- Before I Go to Sleep – 2014
- Absolutely Anything – 2015
- Allied – 2016
- Eternals – 2021
Television Shows Featuring Parliament Hill
- Turn Up Charlie – 2019
Books Featuring Parliament Hill
- Adamson, E.V. Five Strangers – 2021
