Wanstead Park
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Wanstead Park is located in the London Borough of Redbridge, near to Wanstead. It is surrounded by the Aldersbrook Estate and City of London Cemetery to the south, the River Roding to the east, the Wanstead Golf Club to the north and Blake Hall Road to the west. Its area is about 140 acres. It is part of Epping Forest and owned and managed by the Corporation of London. The Corporation purchased the land in 1881. The park is also Grade II listed.
[edit] History
The land was originally the site of Wanstead House, which was one of the key buildings in the development of Palladian architecture in England, and before that Wanstead Manor, which can be traced to 1271. Wanstead House was constucted for the use of the wealthy goldsmith family, the Childs. The family also owned Osterley Park and Middleton Hall. Because of the huge building costs, and debts incurred by the Child family there was an auction in 1822 and later the whole house was demolished. The estate was eventually sold off, Wanstead Park and the surrounding housing estates. It was first officially opened by the Corporation in 1882.
[edit] Features
The Park has a number of ponds; Shoulder of Mutton, Heronry Pond, Perch Pond and the Ornamental Waters - which is also the largest.
As well as the ponds there are a couple of old buildings still remaining there. The Temple is the most prominent, with the others being the Grotto (located on the ornamental waters) and the refreshment kiosk. The temple and the grotto were both built at the same time in around 1760 . They are now both grade-listed.
In late April the Chalet Wood is awash with flowering bluebells.
[edit] Activities and Events
The Temple occasionally has open days when the public can look around or take part in activities that are taking place.
Another event is Music in Wanstead Park, held around the beginning of summer. The event is organised by the Aldersbrook Families Association.
On the Ornamental Waters and the Perch Pond fishing is allowed, but only in season.
[edit] Sources
Epping Forest: Then and Now, by Winston G Ramsey and Reginald L. Fowkes. Published by Battle of Britain Prints International Limited in 1986.
[edit] External links
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