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 as the Village Green, is not a remnant of a bomb crater. The misconception might stem from an incident during the last air-raid of World War I on Whit Sunday 1918 when a bomb fell nearby, causing no damage to the cockpit.
Darrell Spurgeon and Roy Hopper, in their book ‘Discover Chislehurst,’ propose an interesting theory about the origins of this depression. They speculate that it might have started as a medieval gravel pit, later allowed to grass over for the purpose of hosting cockfights.
Cockfighting, a once-popular but outlawed activity, met its demise in 1834. Surprisingly, the ban wasn’t due to concerns about animal cruelty but rather the troublesome behaviour it incited among the spectators. Following the ban, the cockpit found itself a new purpose – hosting single-stick fighting until 1862. The Vestry, Chislehurst’d equivalent of local government, put a stop to it, citing the cockpit as a gathering place for the “commonest and lowest class of person.”
Misbehaviour and Rowidness persisted on Chislehurst Common, especially during the funfairs held on the Village Green on bank holidays. The early Conservators, now Trustees, inherited these concerns, leading them to monitor activities closely.
Measuring 40 metres in diameter and 1.5 metres deep with sloping sides, the cockpit’s circular structure is a fascinating historical relic. At its centre, there’s a slightly raised circle spanning 32 metres in diameter. In the 20th century, this seemingly historical site became the venue for significant events, like the homecoming service for the returning troops in 1919, marked by an engraved stone donated by former Board member Mr. A. Gunn.
Now, weaving through the tapestry of Chislehurst’s history, we uncover another significant thread just beyond the borders of Chislehurst Common. A key figure in this tale is William Willett, a proud resident of Chislehurst. During the tumultuous days of World War I, Willett introduced the concept of daylight saving time in 1916, a visionary move aimed at optimising daylight usage and conserving energy.
Willet’s innovative idea not only transformed our relationship with time, but also cast a lasting influence on our daily lives. By adjusting the clocks to make better use of daylight, people found themselves with extended evenings, fostering increased productivity and energy efficiency. A memorial stands to commemorate his invention in Chislehurst Woods.
As we reflect on the rich history of the cockpit on Chislehurst Common, it intertwines with the forward-thinking spirit of William Willett. His dedication to harnessing the benefits of daylight aligns seamlessly with the multifaceted stories woven into the fabric of Chislehurst. So, as you traverse the Village Green, take a moment not only to appreciate the unique charm of the cockpit but also to acknowledge the local innovator whose legacy shaped the very rhythm of our days.
Originally published in Life in Bromley magazine (Issue 28, June 2024)