Parliament Hill

Why go

The area, which became known as Traitors' Hill, acquired its current name in the 17th century because during the English Civil War it was defended by troops loyal to the English Parliament. The Eastern (Highgate) side, including Parliament Hill Lido, is known as Parliament Hill Fields, and a local girls' school, Parliament Hill School, is named after it.

What to look for

• The City of London Corporation has managed Parliament Hill since 1989.
• The 2012 and 2015 English National Cross Country Championships were also staged at Parliament Hill.
• The hill, which is 98 metres high, is notable for its views of the capital's skyline.

The full story

Many landmarks can be seen from its summit such as Canary Wharf, the Gherkin, the Shard and St Paul's Cathedral. The Houses of Parliament which are 6 1⁄4 miles (10.1 km) south in the City of Westminster can still be seen from Parliament Hill although they have become rather obscured by surrounding buildings. In 1133, the hill was part of a manor that Henry I gave to a baron called Richard de Balta. During Henry II's reign it was passed to Alexander de Barentyn, the king's butler. A legend states that this was the site from where Guy Fawkes and Robert Catesby planned to watch the destruction of Parliament in the Gunpowder Plot on 5 November 1605. Over time, plots of land in the manor were sold off for building, particularly in the early 19th century, though the hill remained mainly common land.

Your next visit

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