Kennington Park

Kennington Park is in Kennington, London, England, in London SE11, and lies between Kennington Park Road and St Agnes Place. It was opened in 1854. Previously the site had been Kennington Common. This is where the Chartists gathered for their biggest 'monster rally' on 10 April 1848. Soon after this demonstration the common was enclosed and, sponsored by the royals, made into a public park.

Related Topics:
Kennington, London, England - London SE11 - 1854 - 10 April - 1848

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Kennington Common was a site of public executions until 1800 as well as being the South London speakers corner. One of the most illustrious orators to speak here was John Wesley who is reputed to have attracted a crowd of 30,000. The link with radical religion is still evident with the Rastafarian temple in St Agnes Place, which backs onto the park.

Related Topics:
Public executions - 1800 - Speakers corner - John Wesley - Rastafarian

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Cricket may have first been played in London on the common. Today Kennington Park east is hosting the first inner London community cricket ground, sponsored by Surrey County Cricket Club whose home is nearby at The Oval.

Related Topics:
Surrey County Cricket Club - The Oval

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In the 1970s the old tradition of mass gatherings returned to the park which was host to the start of many significant marches to Parliament. Today this tendency is opposed by a few locals who prefer the model of the Victorian Park. The Friends of Kennington Park, FoKP, provides a local forum for this struggle.

Related Topics:
1970s - Parliament

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