Parliament Hill, London
| Parliament Hill | |
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View of the City of London and surrounding area from Parliament Hill.
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| Type | Public park |
| Location | Hampstead Heath, London |
| Coordinates | 51°33′37″N 0°09′38″W / 51.56026°N 0.16067°WCoordinates: 51°33′37″N 0°09′38″W / 51.56026°N 0.16067°W |
| Area | 932 acres (3.77 km2) |
| Created | 1888 |
| Operated by | City of London Corporation |
| Status | All year |
Parliament Hill is an area of open parkland in the south-east corner of Hampstead Heath in north-west London. The hill, which is 98 metres (322 ft) high, is notable for its views of the capital's skyline. Many landmarks can be seen from its summit such as Canary Wharf, the Gherkin, the Shard and St Paul's Cathedral.
The Houses of Parliament which are 6 1⁄4 miles (10.1 km) south in the City of Westminster can still be seen from Parliament Hill although they have become rather obscured by surrounding buildings.
In 1133, the hill was part of a manor that Henry I gave to a baron called Richard de Balta. During Henry II's reign it was passed to Alexander de Barentyn, the king's butler. The area, which became known as Traitors' Hill, acquired its current name in the 17th century because during the English Civil War it was defended by troops loyal to the English Parliament. A legend states that this was the site from where Guy Fawkes and Robert Catesby planned to watch the destruction of Parliament in the Gunpowder Plot on 5 November 1605.
Over time, plots of land in the manor were sold off for building, particularly in the early 19th century, though the hill remained mainly common land. In 1875 Hampstead Heath was acquired for the people by the Metropolitan Board of Works. Thirteen years later Parliament Hill was purchased for the public for £300,000 and added to Hampstead Heath.
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