Description
Fortune Green Open Space is a triangular site surrounded by mature London plane trees at the intersection between roads. It was opened to the public in 1897/8, the cost of acquiring the land split between London County Council and Hampstead Borough Council, who took on its maintenance. At the southern tip is a granite drinking fountain presented by Miss Miles in memory of her mother, erected through the Metropolitan Drinking Fountain & Cattle Trough Association.
Practical Information
| Site location | Fortune Green Road/Ajax Road/Achilles Road |
|---|---|
| Postcode | NW6 1EF |
| What3Words | ///ozone.hotel.reply |
| Type of Site | Public Gardens |
| Borough | Camden |
| Open to Public | Yes |
| Opening Times | unrestricted |
| Facilities | Playground and play centre |
| Public Transport | Rail/London Overground/Tube (Jubilee): West Hampstead then bus. Bus: 328, C11. |
| Research Updated | 1 August 2009 |
| Last Updated | 18 October 2026 |
Full description
Commonland here was enclosed by the Lord of the Manor in the C19th, part of which was acquired by Hampstead Vestry for Hampstead Cemetery (q.v.). As a result of local protest, various attempts to build on the land in the 1880s and 1890s failed and it was purchased for public open space. Fortune Green Open Space was laid out and opened to the public in 1897, the cost of acquiring the land split between Hampstead Borough Council (£3,000) and London County Council (£3,027); it was maintained by Hampstead Borough Council. At the southern tip is a granite drinking fountain which was presented in 1897 by Miss Miles in memory of her mother, through the Metropolitan Drinking Fountain & Cattle Trough Association. Adjacent to the recreation ground is a pair of K2 telephone kiosks of 1927, designed by Giles Gilbert Scott. It is a triangular site surrounded by mature London planes and is at the intersection between roads; it was laid out largely as grass and bisected by tree lined paths, with games pitches and a playground. A dog area has been established on the site of former games pitches. Adjacent to the north is a privately-run Play Centre.
Further Information
| Grid Reference | TQ250855 |
|---|---|
| Size in hectares | 0.8269 |
| Site Ownership | LB Camden |
| Site Management | Parks & Open Spaces |
| Dates | 1897; C20th |
| Listed Structures | LBII: Drinking fountain; pair of K2 Telephone kiosks |
| 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 | Camden |
| 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 | Public Open Space (Small Local). |
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
* on The National Heritage List for England, Parks & Gardens
Hampstead Cemetery was founded by Hampstead Burial Board, which was established in 1873 when the graveyard at St John-at-Hampstead became full. A 20-acre plot of land was purchased and the cemetery was laid out and planted by Joseph Meston, who had previously worked on Victoria Embankment Gardens. The cemetery was consecrated by the Bishop of London and opened in November 1876; further land was added in 1901. Over 60,000 people have been buried here, representative of the many well-known and artistic people attracted to the area over the years, and there are many fine monuments. The oldest graves are close to the main paths.
Hampstead Cemetery was founded by Hampstead Burial Board, which was established in 1873 when the graveyard at St John-at-Hampstead became full. A 20-acre plot of land was purchased and the cemetery was laid out and planted by Joseph Meston, who had previously worked on Victoria Embankment Gardens. The cemetery was consecrated by the Bishop of London and opened in November 1876; further land was added in 1901. Over 60,000 people have been buried here, representative of the many well-known and artistic people attracted to the area over the years, and there are many fine monuments. The oldest graves are close to the main paths.
Gondar Gardens Covered Reservoir was built in 1874 by Grand Junction Water Works and its grass covered roof is supported by brick arches. Thames Water decommissioned the reservoir in 2002 when the ring main was built around London, and in 2010 the site was sold to developers. An open space of importance for nature conservation, it has been designated a heritage asset in LB Camden's Local List and is cherished by local residents for its fine views across to Hampstead Parish Church and beyond.
Preserving the name of the ancient hamlet of West End within the parish of Hampstead, West End Green was once the site of the village green and pond. Threatened by development from 1875, it was saved by the actions of local people and purchased in 1885 by the Vestry of Hampstead and maintained as a public open space. Surrounded by railings, the garden has grass, mature trees, shrubs and a centrally placed granite drinking fountain, dated 1897. An oak tree planted by the Mayor of Hampstead commemorates the coronation of Edward VII.
