Figge's Marsh

Figge's Marsh is a public park of about 25 acres in Mitcham, in the London Borough of Merton, in south London. It is a green space with medieval roots that still keeps the open, shared character of the common land it once belonged to.

Where does the name Figge's Marsh come from?

The park is named after William Figge, a 14th-century landholder. Some sources say he held the land from the 1350s, while Wikipedia cites 1357. Older maps sometimes record the place as "Piggs Marsh" or "Pigs Marsh Common", which led to suggestions that the name is a corruption of "pigs' marsh". Historians point out, however, that it derives from Figge's surname.

What is the history of the park?

Figge's Marsh is a remnant of Mitcham Common, a large area of common land where animals were grazed for centuries. Grazing continued here until local authorities took over. In 1891 control passed to the Mitcham Common Conservators, and in 1923 to Mitcham Urban District Council.

The park lies beside London Road, a former toll road leading into London. It is a registered Town Green, meaning it is legally protected as a place for local people to enjoy.

During the Second World War, part of the ground was dug up for allotments and anti-invasion trenches. In the 1940s mechanical mowing became possible, and housing was built around the park in the same period, much of it by the council.

What can you do at Figge's Marsh?

It is a typical local city park, good for a walk, a run or a rest on the grass. Facilities include:

• an outdoor gym,
• a table tennis table,
• open grassy space, accessible at all times.

Local events are held here through the year, and an active Friends group of residents looks after the park.

Is Figge's Marsh worth visiting?

It is not among London's headline sights, but for anyone interested in suburban history and former common land it makes an interesting stop. It shows how a medieval grazing marsh became a park surrounded by housing estates. It combines well with a visit to other parts of the old Mitcham Common and to other green spaces in Merton.

Frequently asked questions

Where is Figge's Marsh? In Mitcham, in the London Borough of Merton, beside London Road in south London.

How much does entry cost? The park is public and free to enter.

When is the park open? The site is open at all times.

Where does the name come from? From William Figge, a 14th-century landholder, rather than from pigs, as some old map spellings suggested.

Is the park linked to Mitcham Common? Yes, it is a remnant of it, managed from 1891 by the Mitcham Common Conservators.

What is there on site? An outdoor gym, a table tennis table and a large open grassy area.