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The Rookery, Streatham Common, London
A lesser-known landscaped delight in south London
(Photos ©urban75, 11th April 2010)
This attractive, formally-landscaped area at the top of Streatham Common used to be known as Streatham Spa and once stood in the grounds of a large house called The Rookery.
The Spa attracted folks keen to slurp the spring water which reputedly contained medicinal and healing properties.
After the spa's popularity declined, local residents successfully campaigned to buy the Rookery and it formally opened as a public garden on 23 July 1913, and is now on English Heritage's Register of Historic Parks and Gardens.
The modern Rookery contains an ornamental pond, flower and herbaceous beds and a rock garden with streams. With areas of woodland important for biodiversity and environmental education, the place bristles with birdsong and wildlife, and is a delightful place to spend some reflective moments.
Walking into the Rookery from Streatham Common, with a huge cedar tree dominating the view.
No takers for the benches on a sunny, but chilly, late Spring afternoon.
The gently sloping lawns of The Rookery are used as an open air theatre in the summer.
Spring bloom.
The delightful gardens.
One of the three original wells of Streatham Spa water, this one dates back to 1659.
Steps into the garden.
There's a small landscaped stream that trickles down to the right of this view.
Kids playing in the stream.
Benches outside the Rookery, affording a fine view over south west London.
By the entrance to the Rookery is a little cafe run by an Italian family.
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