Old Paradise Gardens

This site was previously a burial ground provided to the local parish by the Archbishop of Canterbury in 1703. It was extended in 1816, but by 1853 it was full and finally closed to new burials. In 1880 it was decided to convert it into a public garden, which opened in 1884. The gravestones were moved to the boundary walls, while the mortuary was left standing, as was a watch house, although these have now long been demolished. The site ground was further extended in 1929 and known as ‘Lambeth High Street Recreation Ground’.