Historic Heath
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 historic features (468kb) 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 (1.1mb)
Inverforth House (138kb)
Sand digging on Hampstead Heath (380kb)
Springs, ponds and recreation (1.5mb)
The fight to save Hampstead Heath (113kb)
The Heath and the Arts (136kb)
The Tumulus (82kb)
The Wyldes Farmhouse (97kb)
This Statement of Significance (368kb) 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.