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| Chase Green |
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There were already farms in Enfield by the time of the Domesday Book in 1086. Chase Green was part of a forest, which was fenced off to make Enfield Chase, a royal hunting ground, in 1136. Although they were not allowed to hunt, local people kept the right to gather wood in the forest for fuel, and building, and to pasture their animals. When Enfield Chase was split into farms, in 1779 a piece of land was given to Enfield villagers because they lost these rights. Chase Green is therefore the oldest public open space in Enfield. Queen Elizabeth I inherited Enfield after the death of Henry VIII. She rebuilt the manor house at Enfield on a site which is now occupied by Pearson's Department Store. Such connections with royalty, together with the closeness to London, brought rich people to Enfield from the 17th century onwards, and many fine houses were built. The poet Charles Lamb and his sister Mary lived on Chase Side from 1827 to 33. At the south end of Chase Green Gardens is the Cenotaph Garden with a war memorial. As part of the New River Loop Restoration Project which commenced in 1998, works in Chase Green Gardens have included resurfacing of paths, new street furniture and a commemorative Millennium Fountain, unveiled in September 2000. |
