The Enigmatic Cockpit on Chislehurst Common: More than Meets the Eye Written by Pam Preedy. In the heart of Chislehurst, right opposite the west gate of St Nicholas church, lies a piece of history that often gets overlooked – the intriguing cockpit on Chislehurst Common. Some might describe it as unique, while Webb’s History of Chislehurst takes a more modest approach, calling it “one of the few perfect examples of a cockpit which still exists.” Contrary to popular belief, this circular structure, situated within the triangle of common land known…