THE OPEN SPACES SOCIETY

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1808 - 2005

Lord Eversley, the former Liberal MP and minister, founded the Commons Preservation Society in 1865. The aim of the society was to save London commons for the enjoyment and recreation of the public. Its committee members included such important figures as Octavia Hill, the social reformer, Sir Robert Hunter, solicitor and later co-founder of the National Trust, Professor Huxley and the MP's Sir Charles Dilke and James Bryce. Most of the society's members initially came from the south east, so their interests focused on London. In 1899 the Commons Preservation Society amalgamated with the National Footpaths Society, adopting the title Commons Open Spaces Society and Footpath Preservation Society. The shortened name, Open Spaces Society was adopted in the 1980's. The society promoted important pieces of legislation, including the Commons Act of 1876 and 1899. Today it's principal task is advising local authorities, commons committees, voluntary bodies, and the general public on the appropriation of commons and other open spaces. It also scrutinises applications that affect public rights of way. It has no branch organisation but works with local and regional bodies. It's membership, therefore, is small. The society also publishes a quarterly journal as well as a wide variety of literature.

Records of the Open Spaces Society

7 series

Further papers relating to "the work of the Commons, Open Spaces and Footpaths Preservation Society or to that of earlier or allied societies and to law suits in which they were involved" are held at the Parliamentary Archives under reference FCP. NRA reference 35843

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