Description
Chiswick Common was part of the Bishop of London's Manor of Fulham and was rural until the mid C19th with large estates, farms and market gardens. Development took place after the railway arrived in the area in 1849, with Turnham Green Station opening in 1869. Bounded on its north side by the railway embankment, Chiswick Back Common is mainly grass, criss-crossed by paths, with sports facilities including tennis courts. Around the edges are mature trees, with beech hedging near the playground. At the east apex is a drinking fountain provided by the Metropolitan Drinking Fountain Association in 1902.
Practical Information
| Previously known as | Chiswick Common |
|---|---|
| Site location | Chiswick Common Road/ Turnham Green Terrace / Fisher's Lane |
| Postcode | W4 1RZ |
| What3Words | ///stroke.firms.duke |
| Type of Site | Public Open Land |
| Borough | Hounslow |
| Open to Public | Yes |
| Opening Times | unrestricted |
| Facilities | 7 tennis courts, playground equipment includes a multi-play area, three rockers and swings for under 5s, swings and multi-play area for the over 5s |
| Public Transport | Tube: Turnham Green (District, Piccadilly). Bus: E3, 94 |
| Research Updated | 7 August 2023 |
| Last Updated | 18 October 2026 |
Full description
The park now provides a range of multi-play equipment and has 7 tennis courts which are used on a first come, first play basis (no booking facility). Playground equipment includes a multi-play area, three rockers and swings for the under 5’s and swings and a multi-play area for the over 5’s.
In 2019 Abundance London, in association with Friends of Chiswick Back Common, made improvements to the paved area at the edge of the common abutting Turnham Green Terrace, which had become degraded. New bike racks, custom-designed benches, a perennial flowering meadow of year-long interest and associated artwork have been installed. Abundance London is a voluntary organisation set up in 2010, dedicated to improve the Chiswick area and its bio-diversity. The group has planted orchards, hedgerows and trees, and aims to reconnect people with nature and to protect it in an urban setting through the creation of beautiful spaces, mainly through planting but also through art.
The granite drinking fountain at the east of the common on Turnham Green Terrace was provided by Metropolitan Drinking Fountain and Cattle Trough Association in 1902, and erected at a cost of £20. In 2020 the drinking fountain was restored at a cost of £14,000 by London Stone Conservation through a collaboration between Hounslow Council, Heritage of London Trust, Thames Water and the Drinking Fountain Association. The spouts have been reconditioned and fresh drinking water is once again available. The top finial has been restored and the lettering round the plinth regilded.
In 2019 Abundance London, in association with Friends of Chiswick Back Common, made improvements to the paved area at the edge of the common abutting Turnham Green Terrace, which had become degraded. New bike racks, custom-designed benches, a perennial flowering meadow of year-long interest and associated artwork have been installed. Abundance London is a voluntary organisation set up in 2010, dedicated to improve the Chiswick area and its bio-diversity. The group has planted orchards, hedgerows and trees, and aims to reconnect people with nature and to protect it in an urban setting through the creation of beautiful spaces, mainly through planting but also through art.
The granite drinking fountain at the east of the common on Turnham Green Terrace was provided by Metropolitan Drinking Fountain and Cattle Trough Association in 1902, and erected at a cost of £20. In 2020 the drinking fountain was restored at a cost of £14,000 by London Stone Conservation through a collaboration between Hounslow Council, Heritage of London Trust, Thames Water and the Drinking Fountain Association. The spouts have been reconditioned and fresh drinking water is once again available. The top finial has been restored and the lettering round the plinth regilded.
Further Information
| Grid Reference | TQ210787 |
|---|---|
| Size in hectares | 3.49 |
| Site Ownership | LB Hounslow |
| Site Management | CIP Parks and Open Spaces; Friends of Chiswick Back Common |
| On National Heritage List for England (NHLE), Parks & Gardens | No |
| Registered common or village green on Commons Registration Act 1965 | Yes: Common (CL47) |
| Protected under London Squares Preservation Act 1931 | No |
| Local Authority | Hounslow |
| In Conservation Area | No |
| Tree Preservation Order | No |
| Nature Conservation Area | No |
| Green Belt | No |
| Metropolitan Open Land | No |
| Special Policy Area | No |
| Other LA Designation | Neighbourhood Park. Local Open Space |
Gallery
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
Bedford Park is described as the first Garden Suburb, the early speculatively-built estate becoming a model and showpiece, successful in attracting the 'aesthetic middle classes' and artists. In 1875 Jonathan Carr purchased 24 acres north of Turnham Green, taking the name for his estate from a late C18th house. First plans were drawn up by E W Godwin, but in 1877 Norman Shaw became estate architect and was responsible for creating the architectural character of the suburb. Wherever possible existing trees were kept and the garden character was enhanced by many roads being closed by views of trees. From 1880, Shaw no longer involved, a third phase of building began on additional land acquired by Carr. By 1883 there were 490 houses on 113 acres, the church of St Michael and All Angels, the Tabard Inn, a School of Art and a Club. In 1963 the Bedford Park Society was formed to preserve the estate, which was designated a Conservation Area in 1969.
Bedford Park is described as the first Garden Suburb, the early speculatively-built estate becoming a model and showpiece, successful in attracting the 'aesthetic middle classes' and artists. In 1875 Jonathan Carr purchased 24 acres north of Turnham Green, taking the name for his estate from a late C18th house. First plans were drawn up by E W Godwin, but in 1877 Norman Shaw became estate architect and was responsible for creating the architectural character of the suburb. Wherever possible existing trees were kept and the garden character was enhanced by many roads being closed by views of trees. From 1880, Shaw no longer involved, a third phase of building began on additional land acquired by Carr. By 1883 there were 490 houses on 113 acres, the church of St Michael and All Angels, the Tabard Inn, a School of Art and a Club. In 1963 the Bedford Park Society was formed to preserve the estate, which was designated a Conservation Area in 1969.
Acton Green Common is a simple area of open land, laid out with perimeter planting, cross-walks and some mature trees. It is bounded to the south by the railway and at its eastern end it faces the church of St Michael and All Angels and the Tabard Inn, which are among the buildings designed by Norman Shaw for the Bedford Park Garden Suburb. The common was part of the site of the Battle of Brentford during the Civil War when on 12 November 1642 the Royalists under Prince Rupert surprised and overcame the Parliamentarian army under Lord Essex.