Fortune Green, just after it was laid out - look no trees!
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Achilles Road
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History of Fortune Green
The first recorded mention of Fortune Green was in 1646, and it was first shown on a map over 250 years ago in 1746, lying to the north of the village of West End. Originally four acres (about twice its current size), Fortune Green was a triangular patch of manorial 'waste' where local residents had the right to graze animals, dig turf and play sports.
In 1820 about a third of the land in the north east corner (roughly where Alfred Court is now) was 'enclosed'. Nine cottages were built for labourers and laundresses, who were allowed to keep drying poles on the Green for fourpence a year. At the southern tip of the Green is a fountain erected by the Cattle Trough and Drinking Fountain Association. Even as late as 1870 the Green was still surrounded by open fields; however, the expansion of London was beginning to encroach. By the 1880s a local residential building boom was underway after the opening of West Hampstead's underground station (1879) and overground station (1888).
In 1820 about a third of the land in the north east corner (roughly where Alfred Court is now) was 'enclosed'. Nine cottages were built for labourers and laundresses, who were allowed to keep drying poles on the Green for fourpence a year. At the southern tip of the Green is a fountain erected by the Cattle Trough and Drinking Fountain Association. Even as late as 1870 the Green was still surrounded by open fields; however, the expansion of London was beginning to encroach. By the 1880s a local residential building boom was underway after the opening of West Hampstead's underground station (1879) and overground station (1888).
Fortune Green Under Threat
In 1891 the Green was put up for sale for development. But local residents formed the Fortune Green Preservation Society to prevent it being sold, and to maintain the residents' rights of recreation.
Challenging the validity of the sale in court, the Friends provided evidence that the Green had been in regular recreational use: Fortune Green Cricket Club played 'married vs singles' matches; boxing, rounders and trapball were also popular. Despite this, to the horror of local residents, a judge allowed the sale to proceed. Undaunted, the Fortune Green Acquisition Society was set up and managed to persuade the Vestry (Council) and London County Council to pay the bulk of the cost of acquiring the Green, together with smaller contributions from Henry Harben (a local benefactor), the Worshipful Companies of Skinners and Goldsmiths and local residents.
Challenging the validity of the sale in court, the Friends provided evidence that the Green had been in regular recreational use: Fortune Green Cricket Club played 'married vs singles' matches; boxing, rounders and trapball were also popular. Despite this, to the horror of local residents, a judge allowed the sale to proceed. Undaunted, the Fortune Green Acquisition Society was set up and managed to persuade the Vestry (Council) and London County Council to pay the bulk of the cost of acquiring the Green, together with smaller contributions from Henry Harben (a local benefactor), the Worshipful Companies of Skinners and Goldsmiths and local residents.
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Fortune Green Saved
By December 1896 they had raised the asking price of £7,000 and Fortune Green was saved. It took several more months to tie up legal details, but in January and February 1898, at a cost of £555, paths were laid out and the Green was properly turfed.
The Last 100 Years In 1921 a number of captured German guns were put on display on the Green, but these were removed and melted down in WW2. In WW2 a communal air raid shelter was built beneath the northwest quadrant of the Green. |
Fortune Green Road
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In 1971 ownership of the Green was transferred to the London Borough of Camden. Since the mid 70s the Jester Festival, an important event in the Fortune Green calendar, has taken place at the beginning of July. In 1978 the Council built the play centre, and at the same time renovated the Green. By 2007 it was clear that another renovation was needed, so in the spirit of 115 years earlier, local residents got together to form the Friends of Fortune Green.