Eel Brook Common
{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2022}}
{{Use British English|date=February 2023}}
{{Coord|51|28|37|N|0|11|43|W |type:landmark_region:GB |display=title}}
File:Eel Brook Common - geograph.org.uk - 957229.jpg
Eel Brook Common is common land in the London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham, close to Fulham Broadway, with its south-eastern boundary along New King's Road.{{cite web|url=https://www.google.co.uk/maps/place/Eel+Brook+Common/@51.4771867,-0.1958656,15z/data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x0:0xbc5e64b5368957a5|title=Eel Brook Common in Fulham|access-date=20 February 2016}} According to the Fulham Society, the name actually is a derivative of 'hill brook common' - which relates to Musgrave Crescent, which is raised much higher than the surrounding land. It is believed that this is artificial and it probably was originally a Bronze Age mound - either a raised piece of ground to defend against attackers, or as a burial mound. When you leave Eel Brook Common from the north side, you go up a steep ramp - up onto Musgrave Crescent. It is within the Hammersmith and Fulham Conservation Area of Parsons Green.
History
In 1883 and again in 1891 a then amateur local football team, Fulham F.C., played their home games there. The Common usually hosts a circus in early summer - and has three other fairs there every year - including Carters Steam Fair.
During World War II, an underground bunker was located under Eel Brook Common; this was to protect residents from the Luftwaffe - especially during the Blitz period - and explains why Eel Brook Common is unusually flat.
Illustrator Ralph Steadman lived opposite the Common while in London during the mid-20th century, as marked by a nearby blue plaque.
During 2002/2003 Groundwork West London completed a £300,000 make-over of the Common, installing surfaced and fenced sports pitches and revamping the vegetation there.
In the year 2008/2009, Chelsea Football Club help create an astroturf pitch which can be used in the community. It was sponsored by Chelsea in association with a sports wear firm and is in the blue of Chelsea Football Club. Many local residents complained to the Council about the colour in a green environment, and so there has been much work to grow varied natural screening.
The common can be accessed by many roads - including Effie Road to the north, Musgrave Crescent to the north-east and New King's Road to the south-east.
There are two tennis courts and a children's playground primarily aimed at under-6s.
References
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External links
- [http://www.londongardensonline.org.uk/gardens-online-record.asp?ID=HAF013 Eel Brook Common] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161027192028/http://www.londongardensonline.org.uk/gardens-online-record.asp?ID=HAF013 |date=2016-10-27 }} London Gardens Online
{{Parks and open spaces in London}}
{{commons category|Eel Brook Common}}
Category:Parks and open spaces in the London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham
Category:History of the London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham
Category:Fulham F.C. home grounds
Category:Common land in London
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