Description
Chelsea Green is a fragment of the old Chelsea Common, a small triangular public garden at the junction of streets laid out by 1836. Between 1674 and 1695 the common was enclosed and charges for grazing funded the restoration of Chelsea's old parish church. This area was developed from the 1790s onwards after building leases were granted by land-owner George Cadogan.
Practical Information
| Previously known as | Chelsea Common |
|---|---|
| Site location | Elystan Street/Cale Street |
| Postcode | SW3 |
| What3Words | ///ramp.comical.using |
| Type of Site | Public Gardens |
| Borough | Kensington & Chelsea |
| Open to Public | Yes |
| Opening Times | unrestricted |
| Facilities | none |
| Public Transport | Tube: Sloane Square (District, Circle), South Kensington (District, Circle, Piccadilly) |
| Research Updated | 1 February 2010 |
| Last Updated | 18 October 2026 |
Full description
A tiny fragment of green at the south end of Elystan Street, this is all that remains of Chelsea Common, which once extended to what is now Fulham Road in the north and in the south ran from King's Road to Chelsea. The common was enclosed for 21 years between 1674 and 1695 and charges for grazing funded restoration of the parish church, which is now known as Chelsea Old Church. Development over the Common begun c.1790 when George Cadogan was granted a building lease and most of the Common Fields and Pasture were developed by 1836, leaving a small triangular area of fields and market gardens, themselves later built over. The present small area known as Chelsea Green, also triangular in shape, is to the south of that remnant, a meeting of a number of streets laid out by 1836. It is divided by a footpath, which broadens at the centre to offer space for facing seats. The two small grassed areas are surrounded by traditional low round headed railings with a tree in each and bedding displays.
Further Information
| Grid Reference | TQ273784 |
|---|---|
| Size in hectares | 0.015 |
| Site Ownership | RB Kensington & Chelsea |
| Site Management | Leisure Services, Parks and Open Spaces |
| Dates | 1830s |
| On National Heritage List for England (NHLE), Parks & Gardens | No |
| Registered common or village green on Commons Registration Act 1965 | No |
| Protected under London Squares Preservation Act 1931 | No |
| Local Authority | Kensington & Chelsea |
| In Conservation Area | Yes |
| Conservation Area Name | Chelsea |
| Tree Preservation Order | No |
| Nature Conservation Area | No |
| Green Belt | No |
| Metropolitan Open Land | No |
| Special Policy Area | No |
| Other LA Designation | Strategic View corridor |
Please note the Inventory and its content are provided for your general information only and are subject to change. It is your responsibility to check the accuracy.
Nearby parks and gardens
These are private communal gardens provided for the residents of Markham Square, which was built from 1836 on the site of an old orchard on the former farmland of Box Farm. It was named after Pulham Markham Evans, the last owner of the farm, and the Markham family reputedly had common rights since 'the 29th year of Elizabeth'. The garden was laid out as a cherry orchard in 1935 in celebration of the Silver Jubilee of King George V, and after WWII it was re-landscaped in the style of a country garden by the head gardener of the Royal Hospital. The garden now has shrub and flower beds with a central bed, lawn, an ornate seat, and a variety of trees including gingko.
* on The National Heritage List for England, Parks & Gardens
Public gardens that were formerly the churchyard of St Luke's Church, built as the new Chelsea parish church in 1820-24. An area to the south had been used as a graveyard from 1813. After the burial ground was closed, the site was acquired from the Chelsea Vestry in 1887 and laid out as a public garden, designed by the Borough Surveyor with plants supplied by Messrs. Veitch. The garden had paths, lawns, island beds and fine trees, with gravestones along north and south walls. To the north of the church is a small recreation ground.
Public gardens that were formerly the churchyard of St Luke's Church, built as the new Chelsea parish church in 1820-24. An area to the south had been used as a graveyard from 1813. After the burial ground was closed, the site was acquired from the Chelsea Vestry in 1887 and laid out as a public garden, designed by the Borough Surveyor with plants supplied by Messrs. Veitch. The garden had paths, lawns, island beds and fine trees, with gravestones along north and south walls. To the north of the church is a small recreation ground.
One of the characteristic elongated squares that open off King's Road, this private communal garden was provided for residents of Wellington Square, which was developed in the 1830s. It is named after the Duke of Wellington. The garden is enclosed by modern railings and has a small area of grass, mature plane trees and sycamore.