Primrose Hill - from forest to film location

The dramatic views from Primrose Hill have made it a popular place with Londoners for over 150 years. But this large open space, just north of Regent's Park, has a darker, more violent past.

The name Primrose Hill was first used in the 15th century, probably because of the flowers that grew there. At this time, the slopes were covered by trees and the area was said to be "full of lairs" of stags, bucks, boars and wild bulls. In the 16 th century, it became part of King Henry Vlll's hunting chase and Mother Shipton, a legendary fortune-teller, predicted that when London surrounded Primrose Hill the streets of the city would run with blood.

In 1678, a magistrate was found face down in a ditch on Primrose Hill, killed with his own sword. He had heard evidence that there was a plot by Roman Catholics to kill King Charles II. The news of the murder caused panic and three royal servants were convicted and hanged.

By now, the trees and scrub had been cleared and the hill was open meadowland. It was used for target practice by local army volunteer in the 18 th century and in the early 19 th century it became a popular place for duels.

In 1841, Primrose Hill was opened to the public, despite opposition from people living nearby. It soon became a favourite place for Londoners to enjoy themselves, particularly on bank holidays when it was traditional to toboggan down the slopes. A plan to establish a cemetery on Primrose Hill was quickly dropped and in 1847 an open air gymnasium was built which still remains. The actor Samuel Phelps planted an oak in 1864 to mark the 300 th anniversary of Shakespeare's birth. This tree died, but a replacement was planted in 1964 on the 400 th anniversary.

The top of Primrose Hill is 63 metres or 206 feet above sea level and the view over London is now protected in planning law. Visitors can look down on the zoo in Regent's Park and further a field to landmarks such as Canary Wharf, the Millennium Dome and the Post Tower.

They may also spot a film crew because Primrose Hill has become a popular movie location with British directors. The view from the top was used in the 1987 spy thriller The Fourth Protocol and in the 1997 award winner, Career Girls. Most recently, it starred in the opening credits of Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason (2004).