An allotment is traditionally measured in rods (perches or poles), an old measurement dating back to Anglo-Saxon times. Ten poles is the accepted size of an allotment, the equivalent of 250 square metres or about the size of a doubles tennis court. The rod as a survey measure was standardized in England in 1607.  With the allotments being in high demand, Wandsworth do not now permit an allotment of more than 5 rods.