CLAPHAM COMMON

Clapham Common is a triangular area of grassland of about 200 acres (0.8 km²) in size, situated between Clapham, Battersea and Balham in south London, England. It was historically common land for the parishes of Battersea and Clapham, but was converted to parkland under the terms of the Metropolitan Commons Act 1877.

In the Middle Ages Clapham was surrounded by 3 large fields. Each year 2 were planted with crops while one was left fallow. The fields were rotated so the soil was never exhausted. The villagers grazed their livestock on Clapham Common.

The common contains three ponds which are historical features and a more modern paddling pool. Eagle Pond and Mount Pond are predominantly used for angling and contain a variety of species including Carp to 20lb, Roach, Tench and Bream. Eagle Pond was extensively refurbished in 2002 where it was completely drained, landscaped and replanted to provide a better habitat for the fish it contained. Long Pond has a century old tradition of use for model boating.

Although some 108 acres (43 hectares) of Clapham common (the area historically known as Battersea Common) lies within the London Borough of Wandsworth, it is wholly managed and maintained by the London Borough of Lambeth. However, policing of the common is divided between Wandsworth and Lambeth police boroughs, according to borough boundaries.

The common is surrounded by many fine houses which began to be built in the 1790s and became fashionable dwellings in (what was then) this village south of London, many being home to wealthy business people. Some of these were members of the Clapham Sect of evangelical reformers, including Lord Teignmouth and John Thornton, the banker and abolitionist. As London expanded in the 19th century this became part of a built-up area, and Clapham was eventually absorbed into the capital.

Holy Trinity Church (1776) is close to the North Side of the common. An Anglican church, it hosts its fete on Clapham Common every summer.