Parliament Hill

Parliament Hill stands in the south-east corner of Hampstead Heath, an expanse of open parkland in north-west London. The hill reaches 98 metres above sea level and commands wide views across the capital. From its summit the skyline of central London is visible, though modern buildings partly block the sightline to the Houses of Parliament six and a quarter miles to the south. Bronze Age remains have been found on the mound, showing early use of the site. In the 12th century the hill formed part of a manor granted by Henry I to a baron named Richard de Balta. The hill’s name may come from the English Civil War, when troops loyal to Parliament occupied the area. In the 17th century it was known as Traitors’ Hill, a title that later shifted to Parliament Hill. In 1875 Hampstead Heath was bought for public use by the Metropolitan Board of Works. Thirteen years afterwards Parliament Hill itself was purchased for £300,000 and added to the Heath. Manorial rights stayed private until the mid-20th century, when they lapsed on the death of Sir Spencer Maryon-Wilson. Visitors walk grassy slopes and paths that stretch across the hill and down into Parliament Hill Fields. The eastern side includes Parliament Hill Lido, an open-air swimming pool open in warmer months. A girls’ school nearby bears the hill’s name. Cross-country runners train on the undulating terrain, which has hosted national championships in 1957, 1961, 1965 and later years. Hampstead Rugby Club also uses the open ground for training. Films such as Eternals and television series including Turn Up Charlie have used the hill as a backdrop.