Tooting Common [11 photos] in TQ2972 :: Geograph Britain and Ireland

Shared description

Tooting Common

There is some confusion about the name of this substantial south London open space. There were originally two commons: Tooting Bec Common (at one time known as Tooting Heath) and the smaller Tooting Graveney Common which was in the old parish of Tooting Graveney. The latter occupied the area to the south west of Doctor Johnson Avenue. These came into public ownership when they were purchased by the Metropolitan Board of Works in 1873 and 1875 respectively. In modern times local usage tends to refer to Tooting Common, the name used both by Wandsworth Borough Council and the Friends of Tooting Common, although maps still distinguish between the two areas; the plural ‘Tooting Commons’ is also used.
In the late 19th century the Tooting area was rapidly expanding as an outer suburb following the arrival of the railways. The common changed from being essentially agricultural to providing a leisure facility for the growing population. Tennis courts, a putting green, changing rooms and a tea room were built. The pond was also dug at this time for sailing model boats. Most notably, the lido opened in 1906, an enterprise championed by John Hendry Anderson, Rector of Tooting, to provide work for unemployed men. The lido continues to be a popular local attraction as does the rest of the common. The common is managed by Wandsworth Borough Council supported by an active ‘friends’ organisation.

by Stephen McKay

Created: Sat, 16 Dec 2017, Updated: Sat, 16 Dec 2017

11 images use this description:

TQ2972 : Tooting Common by Stephen McKay

2017

2018

TQ2871 : Tooting Common by Stephen McKay

2017

2018

TQ2971 : Tooting Bec Lido by Stephen McKay

2017

2018

2017

TQ2972 : Tooting Bec Common Café by Stephen McKay

2017

TQ2971 : Tooting Common by Stephen McKay

2017

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