St. John’s Wood
by Nilma Dole
Not sure if it qualifies as the
right article for the Nature page but the greenery of the Lord’s Cricket
Ground is difficult to overlook when you go to St. John’s Wood.
 Once part of the Great Middlesex Forest, St. John’s Wood was later
owned by the Knights of St. John of Jerusalem where the forest of
Middlesex was an ancient woodland covering much of the county of
Middlesex, England that was north of the City of London and now forms
the northern part of Greater London.
Visiting this private and cosy district of north-west London, I had
the unfortunate experience of getting lost in the Tube thinking that St.
John’s Wood was St. James’ Park. You see both have apostrophe’s and they
are rightly saintly so it’s not easy when you’re a tourist.
Anyway, finally making it to St. John’s Wood where a friend Mimi
lives, I was happy to hear that it was the home of the famous Lord’s
Cricket Grounds. The place where our Sri Lankans played with not only
the English but also with the world was a pleasant one.
Being the location of Lord’s Cricket Ground, home of Middlesex County
Cricket Club and the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC), and original
headquarters of the sport, St. John’s Wood does have some fascinating
nature scenery.
One of the most distinctive and famous features of the Lord’s ground
is the significant slope across the field. The north-west side of the
playing surface is some eight feet higher than the south-east side. This
slope causes appreciable deviation in bounce of the ball on the pitch,
making it easier to move the ball in to right-handed batsmen when
bowling from the Pavilion End, and easier to move it away when bowling
from the Nursery End.
The King’s Troop, Royal Horse Artillery has barracks in St. John’s
Wood and regularly exercises their horses by parading them through the
streets of St. John’s Wood. So now I guess it’s more nature-friendly? If
you’re not into equines but into superstars, don’t fret.
 It is home to some of the most expensive properties in the world. No
wonder, you might see Kate Moss (only if you’re really lucky) doing her
catwalk or Liam Gallagher of Oasis strum his guitar ‘Little by Little’.
While you’re at it, keep your eyes peeled for Jude Law or Ewan McGregor
(depending on which dude you like best) and Lily Allen belting her songs
out.
The Wood is also famous for Abbey Road Studios and the street Abbey
Road, where The Beatles recorded, notably the Abbey Road album, the
cover of which features the band crossing the road. Paul McCartney has
owned a property in the area since the 1960s along with many other
famous music and film stars.
So witness the happening town with resident celebrities at St.John’s
Wood! |
