Kennington Common

Kennington Common
Stephen McKay · CC BY-SA 2.0 · source
Name	Kennington Common
Location	London, England
Coordinates	51.4667, -0.1167
Type	Common land

Kennington Common was a large area of common land in south London, England, that played a significant role in the city's history, particularly during the English Civil War and the Chartist movement. The common was a popular spot for public gatherings, including speeches by notable figures such as John Wilkes and William Cobbett, and was also the site of several important events, including the Peasants' Revolt and the Gordon Riots. The common was also a popular spot for recreation, with many Londoners visiting the area to enjoy activities such as cricket and horse racing, often at the nearby Oval Cricket Ground and Lambeth Palace. The common was also close to other notable landmarks, including Vauxhall Gardens and the River Thames.

History

The history of Kennington Common dates back to the Middle Ages, when it was a large area of common land used for grazing and other agricultural purposes, similar to other common lands such as Hampstead Heath and Wimbledon Common. During the English Civil War, the common was used as a rallying point for Parliamentarian forces, including those led by Oliver Cromwell and John Lambert. The common was also the site of several important battles, including the Battle of Turnham Green and the Battle of Worcester. In the 18th century, the common became a popular spot for public gatherings, including speeches by notable figures such as John Wilkes and William Cobbett, who were often supported by organizations such as the Society for Constitutional Information and the London Corresponding Society. The common was also the site of several important events, including the Gordon Riots and the Peterloo Massacre, which were often reported on by newspapers such as the Times of London and the Morning Chronicle.

Geography

Kennington Common was located in the London Borough of Lambeth, near the River Thames and the Oval Cricket Ground. The common was a large area of open land, covering several hundred acres, and was bounded by several notable roads, including the A23 road and the A3 road. The common was also close to several other notable landmarks, including Vauxhall Gardens and Lambeth Palace, which was the residence of the Archbishop of Canterbury. The common was also near several other common lands, including Clapham Common and Wandsworth Common, which were popular spots for recreation and public gatherings. The common was also close to several notable institutions, including King's College London and St Thomas' Hospital, which were often visited by notable figures such as Florence Nightingale and Charles Dickens.

Notable Events

Kennington Common was the site of several notable events, including the Chartist rally of 1848, which was attended by thousands of people and featured speeches by notable figures such as Fergus O'Connor and Ernest Jones. The common was also the site of several important meetings and rallies, including those organized by the Suffragette movement and the Labour Party, which were often supported by organizations such as the Trade Union Congress and the Co-operative Party. The common was also the site of several notable sporting events, including cricket matches and horse racing events, which were often attended by notable figures such as W.G. Grace and Lord Derby. The common was also close to several other notable event spaces, including the Crystal Palace and the Royal Albert Hall, which hosted events such as the Great Exhibition and the Proms.

Decline and Redevelopment

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Kennington Common began to decline, as the area was redeveloped for housing and other uses, similar to other common lands such as Hampstead Heath and Wimbledon Common. The common was also affected by the construction of several notable roads, including the A23 road and the A3 road, which were built to improve transportation links in the area. The common was also the site of several notable buildings, including the Imperial War Museum and the Lambeth Town Hall, which were often visited by notable figures such as Winston Churchill and Clement Attlee. The common was also close to several other notable institutions, including King's College London and St Thomas' Hospital, which were often supported by organizations such as the University of London and the National Health Service.

Cultural Significance

Kennington Common has played a significant role in the cultural and historical heritage of London, with many notable figures and events associated with the area, including William Shakespeare and the Globe Theatre. The common has also been the subject of several notable works of art and literature, including William Hogarth's The Roast Beef of Old England and Charles Dickens' Oliver Twist. The common has also been the site of several notable films and television shows, including Monty Python's Flying Circus and Doctor Who, which often featured notable actors such as John Cleese and Tom Baker. The common has also been the subject of several notable songs and music videos, including those by The Clash and The Jam, which often referenced notable events and figures associated with the area, such as the Battle of Cable Street and Nelson Mandela. The common is also close to several other notable cultural institutions, including the Tate Britain and the National Theatre, which were often visited by notable figures such as Pablo Picasso and Samuel Beckett. Category:Historic sites in London