Southampton Common

Paleolithic artifacts including axes have been found in gravel pits on the common as well as a single Mesolithic axe. It has been suggested that the area's status as a common goes back to the town of Hamwic around 500AD. The designation as Common Land allowed all householders within the borough who were paying "watch and ward" to use the land for fuel, clay, and taking berries and other wild, natural food. The most important use was for grazing, however, and there was a cowherd, who was paid to be responsible for the cattle on the common. As well as looking after the cattle, it was the cowherd's job to perform maintenance on the gates, fences, and banks on the common. In 1595 the first…

Southampton Common currently includes 365 acre of woodland, parkland, rough grassland, ponds, wetlands, nature trails, a children's play area, a model yachting lake, and a fishing lake. The Hawthorns Urban Wildlife Centre at the southern end has been built on the former site of Southampton Zoo and has displays about the natural history of the area. To the west, bordering on Hill Lane, is Southampton Old Cemetery, with many rare flora and fauna. Cemetery Lake is popular for birdwatching. The south east of the Common includes a play area for children with sand and water play. This is near a car parking zone and the Cowherds Inn, a local landmark which has a history going back to the 17th…