Wandsworth in Greater London, England, United Kingdom — Northwestern Europe (the British Isles)
Clapham Common
Photographed by Andrew Ruppenstein, March 28, 2026
1. Clapham Common Marker
Welcome to Clapham Common
Clapham Common is one of London's largest open spaces, and boasts a rich and interesting history. The Common is first mentioned as far back as 1086 in the famous 'Domesday Book' as being part of the Manor of Clapham. Following a long period of change and alteration, in 1877 Clapham Common was acquired from the Lords of the Manors by the Metropolitan Board of Works. A special Act of Parliament officially designated it a Metropolitan Common, which has continued to ensure its protection for present and future generations.
Clapham Common remains a popular venue for many forms of recreation, such as football, fishing, tennis and organised events, and boasts not just a newly restored bandstand but also cafes, ponds and wildlife areas.
(Administrative information not transcribed)
Erected by Lambeth Parks.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Parks & Recreational Areas.
Location. 51° 27.661′ N, 0° 9.702′ W. Marker is in Wandsworth, England, in Greater London. It is at the intersection of Clapham Common North Side and Clapham Common West Side SW, on the right when traveling east on Clapham Common North Side. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Wandsworth, England SW11 1XG, United Kingdom. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in the Greater South East. Globally, it is in the Atlantic Ocean, in the North Atlantic Region, in Europe, in Atlantic Europe, on one of the British Isles, in the Western World, and in the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Roman Empire.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker:
this page online
Also see . . . Clapham Common (Wikipedia). Of note:
In the early 1770s, during his stay in London representing America in affairs of the state, Benjamin Franklin had written a paper explaining how he used the ponds for science experiments, and in developing a "magic" trick. While traveling on a ship, Franklin had observed that the wake of a ship was diminished when the cooks scuttled their greasy water. He studied the effects at Clapham Common on a large pond there. "I fetched out a cruet of oil and dropt a little of it on the water ... though not more than a teaspoon full, produced an instant calm over a space of several yards square." He later used the trick to "calm the waters" by carrying "a little oil in the hollow joint of my cane."(Submitted on April 7, 2026.)
Photographed by Andrew Ruppenstein, March 28, 2026
2. Clapham Common Marker - wide view
Photographed by Andrew Ruppenstein, March 28, 2026
3. Clapham Common - looking east (taken from near marker site)
circa 1920
4. Bandstand, Clapham Common
The bandstand, still extant, is roughly 500 meters to the southeast of the marker site, and occupies the center most portion of the Common.
Credits. This page was last revised on April 7, 2026. It was originally submitted on April 7, 2026, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California. This page has been viewed 8 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on April 7, 2026, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California.
