St. John's Wood Church Grounds facts for kids
St John's Wood Church Grounds is a special public park in St John's Wood in London. It used to be a church graveyard, but now it's a lovely green space for everyone to enjoy. This park is so important for nature that it's called a Site of Borough Importance for Nature Conservation, Grade 1. It's also the only official Local Nature Reserve in the City of Westminster! Since 2004, it has won the Green Flag Award, which means it's a really well-kept and excellent park. The Westminster Council looks after it.
What is the History of St John's Wood Church Grounds?
Long ago, in the Middle Ages, the area where St John's Wood is now was part of a huge forest called the Great Forest of Middlesex. Around the year 1323, a group of knights called the Knights of the Order of St. John owned this land. That's actually how the area got its name!
Later, in the 1500s, the land became property of the Crown (the King or Queen of England). In 1732, it was sold to a person named Henry Samuel Eyre. For a long time, in the 1700s, this specific spot was just farmland with two fields.
In the 1800s, the area started to grow and develop. The St John's Wood Church and its burial ground were officially opened in 1814. People were buried there until 1855. Then, in 1886, the burial ground was changed into the public garden we see today. It's believed that about 50,000 people are buried there. Famous people buried here include the artist John Sell Cotman and a woman known as the prophetess Joanna Southcott.
What Can You See in the Grounds?
The St John's Wood Church Grounds has different areas for everyone to enjoy. You can find pretty flower beds that are carefully looked after. There's also a special wildlife area where plants and animals can thrive. If you're visiting with younger kids, there's a children's playground too!
Exploring the Wildlife Area
The wildlife area is a mix of hedges, open grassy spaces (like a meadow), and woodland. You'll even see some old gravestones mixed in with the nature. This part of the park is a fantastic place to spot butterflies! The park is located right across from Lord's Cricket Ground, between St John's Wood High Street and Wellington Road.
