Why is there a ditch around the school and church on Frenchay Common? The ditch is more correctly called a Ha-Ha. It was designed by landscape gardeners in the 18th century as a way of keeping the cattle out of the gardens of stately homes. The Ha-Ha prevented the cattle getting in without the visual barrier of a hedge or fence. From a distance there appeared to be just rolling fields.
At one time some residents had grazing rights on the Common. It was necessary to keep their horses out of the churchyard so a Ha-Ha was dug.
At one time some residents had grazing rights on the Common. It was necessary to keep their horses out of the churchyard so a Ha-Ha was dug.