There are at least 55 historical features, monuments and
archaeological sites on Hampstead Heath, which form a vital part of
its character.
This
map of Hampstead Heath's Historical
Features (471 kb) is taken form the Heath's management
plan 'Towards a Plan for the Heath 2007 - 2017'.
Examples of historical features
Overlooking the West Heath, the Pergola is as
long as Canary Wharf tower is tall. This Edwardian extravagance,
having fallen into disrepair, was restored by the City of London
and is once more a Heath highlight. The Tumulus is
shrouded in mystery; is it an ancient burial ground, the
foundations of an old windmill or a folly in the landscape?
The Saxon ditch and adjacent earth bank, which
marked early ownership and administrative boundaries, are known to
have been present since at least AD986. Parts of the Heath clearly
show signs of past industry; Sandy Heath, for
example, is pocked with the hollows left by centuries of
sand-digging.
In addition to large famous features such as the
Lido, the Viaduct
Bridge and Kenwood House (managed
by English Heritage), lots of smaller structures add detail
and texture to the Heath landscape. These include the East Heath
Drinking trough, the Victorian Sewer Vent
Pipe, by the Gordon House Road entrance and the
Bird Bridge.
Heritage sheets
These downloadable and printable sheets explore aspects of the
Heath' s rich heritage in greater detail. All but 'The Tumulus' are
based upon Hampstead and Highgate Express columns by the former
Chairman of the Hampstead Heath Management Committee, Bob
Hall.
Download the Hampstead Heath Heritage sheets:
The Pergola and Hill
Garden (1.16mb)
Sand digging on Hampstead
Heath (379kb)
Springs, ponds and
recreation (508kb)
The Fight to Save Hampstead
Heath (108kb)
The Tumulus (77kb)
The Wyldes Farmhouse (92kb)
This
Statement of Significance (364 kb) sets
out what makes Hampstead Heath so special and how its
distinctive landscape has become nationally renowned and
instantly recognised as one of the principal open spaces in
London.