Parsons Green (park)

Parsons Green is a small triangular park in west London, in the borough of Hammersmith and Fulham. It began as common land and is now a quiet green square at the heart of a leafy, well-off neighbourhood, a handy place to pause while exploring the city.

Where does the name Parsons Green come from?

The name refers to the rectors of the parish of Fulham, whose residence once stood right next to this land. Over time the name passed from the green to the whole district. A "parson" is a parish priest, so the name literally means the parson's green.

What is the history of the place?

The land was once common ground used for grazing cattle. In the early 1600s it was fenced off. A pond for livestock lay in the south-east corner, while the rest remained open space. The village pond, known as Colepitts, was later drained. In 1881 the Metropolitan Board of Works, London's public works authority of the time, acquired the land, and it has served as public open space ever since.

From the late 17th century the surroundings became a fashionable address for merchants and gentry who wanted to live within easy reach of London but in a healthier setting than the crowded city. Fine houses with grounds were built around the green. Some Georgian houses survive today, a few of them replacing earlier Tudor and Elizabethan buildings.

What will you see there?

The park is triangular and covers about 1.4 hectares. It is lined with plane trees and crossed by a lime walk. It is managed by the London Borough of Hammersmith & Fulham. There are no ticketed attractions: just benches, lawns and shade, ideal for a stroll, a picnic or a few minutes with a book.

Beside the green stand the church of St Dionis and the White Horse pub. A coaching inn has stood on the site since at least 1688, and a firm mention appears in The Spectator in August 1712, in connection with the annual Parson's Green Fair. The pub was also the meeting place of the old Fulham Albion Cricket Club, one of the pioneering cricket clubs in England. Locally it is nicknamed the "Sloaney Pony" and is on the local list of Buildings of Merit.

Frequently asked questions

Is Parsons Green free to enter? Yes, it is an open public park.

Who owns the park? The London Borough of Hammersmith & Fulham.

How big is it? About 1.4 hectares, so a walk around it takes only a few minutes.

What else is worth seeing nearby? The historic White Horse pub, St Dionis church and the surviving Georgian houses around the green.

Why is it called Parsons Green? After the rectors of the parish of Fulham, whose residence adjoined the land.

Who is it for?

It suits anyone who enjoys London's quieter, local corners: a small patch of green with a history as common land, surrounded by houses from several eras. Combine it with a walk through the nearby streets of Fulham, where you can see how an old suburban village became part of a great city. You will not spend a whole day here, but as a stop on a walk through west London it works very well, especially on warm days when the plane trees give pleasant shade.