Southampton Common
| Southampton Common | |
|---|---|
Southampton Common, January 2005
|
|
 Shown within Southampton
|
|
| Type | Common land / Public park |
| Location | Southampton |
| Coordinates | 50°55′34″N 1°24′39″W / 50.9262°N 1.4109°WCoordinates: 50°55′34″N 1°24′39″W / 50.9262°N 1.4109°W |
| Area | 365 acres (1.48 km2) |
| Created | 13th century as common land 1844 as public park |
| Operated by | Southampton City Council |
| Open | All year |
| Status |
Green Flag Award Site of Special Scientific Interest |
Southampton Common is a large open space to the north of the city centre of Southampton, England. It is bounded by the districts of Shirley, Bassett, Highfield and Portswood. The area supports a large variety of wildlife, including the largest recorded population of the internationally rare great crested newt. It is designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest. The Common is used for a wide variety of community events, Flower Festival, Race for life Cancer Research UK and formerly 'Power in the Park' hosted by Power FM.
Southampton Common currently includes 365 acres (1.48 km2) of woodland, parkland, rough grassland, ponds, wetlands, nature trails, a paddling pool, a children's play area, a model yachting pond, and a fishing lake.
The Hawthorns Urban Wildlife Centre at the southern end has been built on the former site of Southampton Zoo and the comprehensive displays document the natural history of the area; with interactive resources, educational facilities and information about local wildlife and environmental management. To the west, bordering on Hill Lane, is a historic cemetery that also includes many rare flora and fauna. Cemetery Pond is popular for birds.
The south east of the Common includes an open air paddling pool that has recently been refurbished and a play area for children. This is located near to a car parking zone and the Cowherds Inn, a local landmark which has a history going back to the 17th century.
It has been suggested that the area's status as a common goes back to the town of Hamwic around 500AD.
The documented history of Southampton Common can be traced back to a dispute over land rights in the 13th century. The dispute was between the Lord of the manor of Shirley one Nicholas de Sirlie and the Burgesses of Southampton. The dispute was resolved on 13 May 1228 by the Borough agreeing to make a small payment to Nicholas de Sirlie the land and declaring it common land with rights of common limited to those living within the borough boundaries.
...
Wikipedia