Is this where the deer roamed freely? Here at The Tarn, you might imagine majestic stags silhouetted against the trees. This peaceful park, a blend of public garden and bird sanctuary, was once part of a much grander estate.
Known as The Tarn since 1903, this nine-acre site, with its charming lake, was once a hunting ground. Part of the Great Park of Eltham Manor, it echoed with the sounds of the royal hunt for centuries. Imagine King Edward II himself, riding through these woods in 1315.
Sadly, those days came to an end during the English Civil War. The deer were killed, the park destroyed, marking the decline of royal influence. The Tarn, however, lived on. Transformed into a golf course in the 19th century, it was later reborn as the tranquil haven we see today.
As you stroll along the lake, take a moment to appreciate the remnants of its grand past. Look for the 18th-century ice house, a testament to a time when ice was a luxury. The Tarn stands as a reminder that even in the heart of bustling London, echoes of history whisper through the trees.