The centre of the community and used for grazing since medieval times, the tracks have been upgraded to become the roads that now frame and traverse it. The common continued to be used for grazing and donkey rides until well into the 20th century, and during the war was converted into allotments so that local people could ‘Dig for Britain’ – but dog-walking is now the primary outdoor activity!
When you need a break from all that fresh air, the Grange Pub that sits on one of the corners of the Common was built in 1871, on the site of a former beer house called the Cricketers – which indicates another common(!) activity. The station was rebuilt for the arrival of the Piccadilly line in 1932, and is also served by the District Line, linking this glorious suburb to central London in less than half an hour.