Description
Streatham Green was once wasteland belonging to Tooting Bec Manor, and possibly once part of Tooting Bec Common. It was transferred to the MBW under the Metropolitan Commons Act, 1866, later passing to the LCC, and now the responsibility of Lambeth Council. Most of the former green has been built over and parts were taken for road widening in 1892 and 1904. The fine Victorian drinking fountain was erected at the centre The Green in 1933. The Green used to be on a steeply sloping site as a result of mounding to cover WWII air raid shelters, but it was re-landscaped c.2003/4 with a simpler layout of grass and paths.
Practical Information
| Site location | Streatham High Road/Mitcham Lane |
|---|---|
| Postcode | SW16 6HE |
| What3Words | ///cheat.swan.duck |
| Type of Site | Public Open Land |
| Borough | Lambeth |
| Open to Public | Yes |
| Opening Times | unrestricted |
| Public Transport | Rail: Streatham. Bus: 50, 57, 109, 118, 133, 159, 201, 249, 250, 255, 315, 319, 333, G1, P13 |
| Research Updated | 1 November 2023 |
| Last Updated | 18 October 2026 |
Full description
The village of Streatham developed in the Middle Ages, and by the mid C14th had become wealthier largely due to its position halfway between the palaces of the Archbishops of Canterbury at Lambeth and Croydon, and the village grew up around the main road. People settled here, as at Clapham, after the Great Fire of 1666, and it became a place of resort following the discovery of medicinal springs at Streatham Common in 1659.
In 1925 the LCC transferred Streatham Green to Wandsworth Borough Council and when borough boundaries changed in 1965 it was transferred to Lambeth Borough Council. The ornamental drinking fountain designed by painter William Dyce RA (1806-64) that was originally located in Mitcham Lane opposite St Leonard's Church (q.v.) was re-erected at the centre of the Green in 1933. Dyce had undertaken work on the new chancel at St Leonard's where he was churchwarden and he was also buried in the churchyard. The drinking fountain was erected by public subscription in 1862, and has alternating bands of Portland stone and red sandstone, and a marble basin, with much fine detailing; a band is inscribed with the words 'For I will pour water on him that is thirsty'. The Green used to be a steeply sloping site divided into four grassed plots, intersected by paths, with some seats and railed areas, the lower plots mounded up covering 1939-45 air raid shelters. It became neglected over the years, and was also heavily used. It was re-landscaped in c.2003/4 and has a simpler layout, with larger areas of grass and wide paths, the Dyce drinking fountain remaining in the centre.
The Friends of Streatham Green was set up in 2011 and among its aims are the restoration of the Dyce fountain, as well as discouragement of the pigeons on the Green. The Friends have organised events on the Green, including bulb planting, a Bird of Prey Event and a Giant Chess event.
In 1925 the LCC transferred Streatham Green to Wandsworth Borough Council and when borough boundaries changed in 1965 it was transferred to Lambeth Borough Council. The ornamental drinking fountain designed by painter William Dyce RA (1806-64) that was originally located in Mitcham Lane opposite St Leonard's Church (q.v.) was re-erected at the centre of the Green in 1933. Dyce had undertaken work on the new chancel at St Leonard's where he was churchwarden and he was also buried in the churchyard. The drinking fountain was erected by public subscription in 1862, and has alternating bands of Portland stone and red sandstone, and a marble basin, with much fine detailing; a band is inscribed with the words 'For I will pour water on him that is thirsty'. The Green used to be a steeply sloping site divided into four grassed plots, intersected by paths, with some seats and railed areas, the lower plots mounded up covering 1939-45 air raid shelters. It became neglected over the years, and was also heavily used. It was re-landscaped in c.2003/4 and has a simpler layout, with larger areas of grass and wide paths, the Dyce drinking fountain remaining in the centre.
The Friends of Streatham Green was set up in 2011 and among its aims are the restoration of the Dyce fountain, as well as discouragement of the pigeons on the Green. The Friends have organised events on the Green, including bulb planting, a Bird of Prey Event and a Giant Chess event.
Further Information
| Grid Reference | TQ299715 |
|---|---|
| Size in hectares | 0.18 |
| Site Ownership | LB Lambeth |
| Site Management | Environment Directorate, Parks and Greenspaces Unit (Team Lambeth); Friends of Streatham Green |
| Listed Structures | LBII: William Dyce Drinking Fountain |
| 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 | Lambeth |
| In Conservation Area | Yes |
| Conservation Area Name | Streatham High Road and Streatham Hill |
| Tree Preservation Order | No |
| Nature Conservation Area | No |
| Green Belt | No |
| Metropolitan Open Land | No |
| Special Policy Area | Yes - Archaeological Priority Area (Roman Road) |
| Other LA Designation | Open Space |
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
The parish of Streatham developed in the Middle Ages, and the medieval church of St Leonard in the middle of the village was rebuilt in the mid C14th. By then Streatham had become wealthier largely due to its position halfway between the palaces of the Archbishops of Canterbury at Lambeth and Croydon, and the village grew up around the main road. St Leonard's churchyard was reputedly the burial place for people who were 'found dead', presumably murdered by highwaymen and other criminals on Streatham Common. There are fine mature trees particularly around the edge of the churchyard and monuments date from the C19th. Part of the churchyard to the west was once part of St Leonard's Rectory Garden.
The site was part of the Duke of Bedford's estate, and was occupied by 'The Chimes', which housed Belgian refugees during WWI, but which was later destroyed by bombing in WWII. Part of the Chimes estate was acquired by the local War Memorial Committee and Streatham Memorial Gardens were laid out in 1922. The garden now commemorates the dead of both world wars and is on two levels with the war memorial on the lowest level nearest the road, a bronze statue of a soldier sculpted by A.T. Loft in 1921. At the higher level are mature trees, rose beds, lawns and seats. Some land was lost due to A23 road widening and part of housing estate land was provided in compensation. A memorial to all civilians from or living in Streatham affected by all forms of war and conflict was erected in the garden in 2006.
Streatham Common is ancient commonland that was once part of the Manor of South Streatham, which stretched from Norwood to Tulse Hill. At one time known as Lime Common, it was owned by the church from 1362, at the Dissolution of the Monasteries passing to the Dean and Chapter, and in 1862 to the Ecclesiastical Commissioners. It was managed from 1866 by a Committee of Management of local inhabitants. In 1883 it was taken over by the MBW and an Act of Parliament ensured its protection in perpetuity, the Ecclesiastical Commissioners selling c.26.5 hectares to the MBW for £5. Trees were planted around the perimeter and part of the common was mowed, part allowed to become woodland. Most of the lower part was used as allotments during WWII with temporary housing erected around the perimeter. A picturesque landscape sloping from north to south, the upper edges are covered with trees, bracken, copses and gorse.