Can you imagine a time when Plumstead Common wasn’t a peaceful park? Plumstead Common, mentioned in the Domesday Book of 1086 as “Plumstede,” meaning “a place where plums grow,” has a vibrant history. This wasn’t always a place for leisurely strolls and community festivals. It was once a battleground for commoners’ rights. Plumstead Common was at the heart of a struggle between the expanding Royal Arsenal and the local community. The Arsenal needed land for housing. The people needed land for grazing and recreation.
The 19th century brought the railways and rapid expansion. More and more of Plumstead Common was being sold off to house the growing workforce at the Royal Arsenal. The community, clinging to their ancient rights, protested fiercely. These were not quiet grumbles. They were passionate demonstrations about their right to graze livestock and enjoy the common land. Their anger reached a peak in June 1876.
The protests drew the attention of Irish activist John De Morgan. On July 1st, he led protestors from Woolwich Arsenal to the home of Edwin Hughes, leader of the Conservative Party. They tore down illegally erected fences. This act of defiance landed De Morgan in prison for seventeen days. However, the riots and De Morgan’s sacrifice weren’t in vain. The struggle culminated in the Plumstead Common Act of 1878. This act ensured that one hundred acres of this precious land would remain public open space forever.
Plumstead Common even played a role in the sporting world. It was the first home ground for Royal Arsenal F.C., the team that would later become the world-famous Arsenal Football Club. Imagine cheering on your local team right here on Plumstead Common. Today, Plumstead Common still resonates with its history. You can find remnants of this past. The substantial remains of the Old Mill are now part of the public house of the same name. Nearby is Plumstead Manor School. On the southwest corner, you can see the former Prince of Wales pub.
Plumstead Common is more than just a historical landmark. It’s a vibrant community hub. It hosts the Plumstead Make Merry, the longest-running community festival in the Royal Borough of Greenwich. This festival is a testament to the community’s spirit. It’s run entirely by volunteers passionate about the local area. Plumstead Common also welcomes the vibrant Asian Mela, sometimes called the “Asian Notting Hill Carnival.” From protests and riots to football matches and festivals, Plumstead Common has truly seen it all. It stands as a testament to the community’s enduring spirit and a reminder of the hard-won battle to preserve this green space for generations to come.