This sign is on the Avenue in Southampton, a city with some glorious parks right in its
centre, and the fantastic Southampton Common just to the north. It was declared
common land in the 13th century when the borough bought the land and
allowed neighbours to use it for fuel, clay and foraging for food. It was also
used for grazing, and the Cowherds Inn today is a reminder of the cowherd who
was once paid to look after the cattle on the common. With trees, grass, ponds
and play areas, the ancient green space became a public park in 1844.
My primary school was on the edge of the common, with playground
boundaries marked by oak, ash and hawthorns, and sports day on a strip of
common land grass. This idyllic playtime came to an abrupt end in the 1970s
when we were moved to a new building with a tarmac playground surrounded by a wire
mesh fence like a cage.
The Common is still in good use by the citizens of
Southampton. There’s a wildlife centre, boating lake and paddling pool, and it
hosts charity runs, fairs and music festivals.
