Cannon Hill Common covered by heavy frost
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| Date Photo Taken | 9th December 1928 |
|---|---|
| Area | Raynes Park |
| Copyright 1 | Museum of Wimbledon |
| Picture Reference | MerMor_OpenSpaces_Parks_1-1 |
| Original Format | Photo |
| Notes / History | Cannon Hill Common was not common land as such but formed part of the extensive holdings of Merton Priory founded in the 12th century. In the 1500s the Augustinian Canons of Merton Priory owned what was then called “CannondownhyII”. The unproven change of name is loosely associated with the Parliamentarian forces (Cromwell’s mob) that occupied the hill in the 17th century during the English Civil War and had the benefit of being armed with a cannon. Being the fourth highest hill on this side of London it could have provided a form of advance warning of King’s Cavaliers coming to attack the Roundheads. At one time a row of cottages in Cannon Hill Lane was called Cromwell Villas |
