CHAPTER IV 
PARKS IN TOWNS AND MUNICIPAL FORESTS 
THE real history of public parks in towns begins about 
1840. Before that time there were no municipal parks, 
except perhaps Glasgow Green. The parks of London 
were originally the private property of the Crown, and, 
besides, were in early days not open spaces preserved in 
the city, but were far away from it in the country. St. 
James Park, Green Park, Hyde Park, and Kensington 
Gardens were at a considerable distance from the city of 
London. Even Glasgow College Green was originally 
outside the city. In 1845 the Health of Towns Com- 
missioners made recommendations about public parks and 
open spaces, which laid the foundations of modern pro- 
gress in this important measure of public hygiene. The 
Commissioners said: “In our enquiry into the sanitary 
condition of large cities and populous districts, where a high 
rate of mortality and much disease is prevalent, we have 
noticed the general want of any public walks, which might 
enable the middle and poorer classes to have the advantage 
of fresh air and exercise in their occasional hours of leisure. 
With regard to all open spaces, especially well-ordered 
squares ornamented by trees or gardens, which already 
exist in the metropolis and large towns, we strongly 
recommend their preservation from any encroachment by 
public or private buildings. Although not open to the 
public, they contribute largely to the general health of 
the people. The great towns of Liverpool, Manchester, 
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