21 May 2008
City marks 125th anniversary of acquiring Coulsdon Commons
Lord Mayor of the City of London David Lewis and Mayor of
Croydon Jonathan Driver were at Coulsdon Common on Monday (19/5) to
unveil a new drinking fountain and to celebrate the 125th
anniversary of the acquisition and care of the four Coulsdon
Commons by the City of London.
Local residents and schoolchildren as well as those who work and
volunteer on the Commons were brought together at this special
celebration which include samba drumming and band performances.
Also present at the event were Chairman of the Epping Forest and
Commons Committee Mrs Wendy Mead and Superintendent of the City
Commons Bob Warnock.
Pictured are Lord Mayor David Lewis with Charlie Mincer (10) and
Holly Thompson (10) from the local Kenley Primary School burying a
time capsule next to the new drinking fountain which symbolises the
City of London’s commitment in maintaining open spaces for London
and beyond.
Inside the time capsule are items chosen by the schoolchildren
and City Commons rangers
- Photographs, leaflets and newsletters of the School and the
Coulsdon Common
- England Football t-shirt and City Commons Ranger shirt
- A Harry Potter book
- A Dinky toy car
- Money
Lord Mayor David Lewis said: “The City of London is proud to
have taken the responsibility for more than 100 years to look after
important public green spaces across London that would have
otherwise threatened. We are here to celebrate the fact that the
four Coulsdon Commons are protected, so that they’ll always be here
for people to enjoy.”
In 1883, the City of London acquired freehold of the 347 acres
Commons (Coulsdon Common, Farthing Downs, Kenley Common and
Riddlesdown) from the original landowner who stopped the public
from using the land for £7000.
Notes for editors
The City of London provides local government services for the
Square Mile, the financial and commercial heart of Britain, and is
committed to maintaining and enhancing the status of the business
City as the world's leading international financial and business
centre through its policies and services. Its responsibilities also
extend far beyond the City boundaries and include management of the
Barbican Centre, Central Criminal Court at the Old Bailey, 10,000
acres of open space including Hampstead Heath and Epping Forest,
three wholesale food markets, as well as acting as the London Port
Health Authority.
Press contact
Loretta Lui , Press Officer at the City of London on 020 7332
1528
Email loretta.lui@cityoflondon.gov.uk