The History of Primrose Hill Essay Example

In the Borough of Camden situated northeast of the city of London sits the highest point in Camden, Primrose Hill at nearly sixty-three meters above sea level. Primrose Hill is a naturally occurring hill that got its name in the 15th century because of the abundance of primrose flowers that once occupied the grounds. Housing one of the six protected viewpoints on London, Primrose Hill is known for drawing in spectators both royal and mundane because of its breathtaking view of the London skyline and vibrant neighborhoods. Because of this attention, Primrose Hill has a lively reputation that greatly impacts the social, cultural, and economic geography of London. 

For a little bit of history, Primrose Hill was once nothing more than woodland with the hill itself being mostly inaccessible due to the neighboring forests. These forests were once inhabited by wolves and other various wildlife that are indigenous to Southern England. The Monarchs at the time took advantage of this wild terrain and used it for hunting deer, fox, and game birds. Primrose Hill was first appropriated for the great chase by Henry the VIII in the fifteenth century. 

Flash forward to the 17th century when the only people that dared to stray this far north into the unkempt terrain were there for the primary purpose of settling a duel. One notorious moment in history that stands out is in regards to a possible duel that happened in the late 17th century when an execution took place. Three Catholic men by the names of Hill, Berry, and Green were executed as a result of the killing of Sir Edmund Godfrey. Sir Edmund Godfrey suspected that Hill, Berry, and Green were plotting to kill the beloved King Charles II. Sir Godfrey’s body was found in a ditch where he had presumably been strangled and then impaled by his own sword. This tragic event lead to the anti-Catholic movement in England where anyone who was presumed to be Catholic was escorted away from London and told never to return again. 

In 1841, the land was purchased by Eton College, which is the largest boarding school in England. Eton College had hopes of using Primrose Hill to extend the available parkland to the less fortunate people of North London for the purpose of open-air recreation. However, Eton College’s ownership of Primrose Hill was very short-lived due to an Act of Parlament that made the park a public space operated by The Royal Parks in 1842. It was not until this act of parliament was passed when Primrose Hill morphed from woodlands inhabited by wolves to the well-kept park that we know today. There was some debate on what to use the land for before a definitive decision to make Primrose Hill a public space was reached. Some of the debates were to use the hill for a well-needed cemetery or equally needed housing plots for the growing middle class but ultimately the hill’s close proximity to the London Zoo voided these proposals. Although the park itself was not used for housing plots, the neighborhood around Primrose Hill witnessed an explosion of new homes being built.

New housing around Primrose Hill subsequently lead to the construction of the first railway tunnel in London. This was an outstanding engineering feat for 1838 that had a positive impact on the social and economic geography of London. Thus being in consequence Although this railway was good for the economy, Camden suffered from pollution and noise. However, in the modern-day, there are two major ways to access  Primrose Hill one by the Regents Canal and the other by the railway, making it one of the most sought-after postal codes in London. This postal code houses several celebrities including Harry Styles. 

In present day, Primrose Hill contributes greatly to the economy of London. The aesthetically pleasing visuals the park has to offer are sought after by the film industry. Some notable movies that have been filmed in the park are Paddington, Bridget Jones’s Diary, and more recently, A Boy Named Christmas. Paddington and Bridget Jones’s Diary brought in over $70 million each with a fraction of that going to the government of London for the use of Primrose Hill. A Boy Names Christmas has yet to be released. Along with the film industry, Primrose Hill provides jobs to the landscapers who keep the trees cut in order to preserve the view of the London skyline.

Primrose Hill encourages an uninterrupted view of London. The Royal Parks organization does this by keeping the trees are kept cut low and that nothing is built or planted that could obstruct the view. In 1864, an Oak Tree was planted at the slope of the hill that was deemed as “Shakesphears Tree” to commemorate William Shakespeare’s 300th birthday. Large crowds came to watch this tree be planted. However, although the tree was well kept and looked after, it had to be replanted in 1964. Along with Shakespeare’s Tree, at the top of the hill, one can find a York stone edging with a quote from William Blake who was an English poet, artist, and printmaker. The stone reads, “I have conversed with the spiritual sun. I saw him on Primrose Hill.”

In light of these facts, Primrose Hill greatly impacts the social, cultural, and economic geography of London. Over the years, duels were fought, kites were flown, and picnics were had. Without these events, both epic and mundane, London would not be the same. The economy of Primrose Hills surrounding neighborhoods is flourishing due to the tourist that visits the area for the views visiting the local shops and restaurants lined along the streets. Londons social and cultural standards are also impacted greatly by this geological feature. People both local and outsiders will visit Primrose Hill to chat with their friends or engage in various cultural celebrations. All in all, London would not be the same without Primrose Hill.