Did you know that this beautiful park was once part of a much larger stretch of land known as Great Streatham Common? Stretching from Norbury to Tulse Hill, it was a vast expanse of green, recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as ‘Lime Common’. It’s hard to picture now, but this whole area was once a tranquil countryside haven. Imagine strolling through fields of wildflowers, the air filled with the sweet scent of fresh grass and the chirping of birds. Fast forward to the 17th century and the common was partially enclosed to form a shooting estate. A lodge was built for the 5th Duke of Portland, and the estate was known as ‘Norwood Grove’. This is where the history of this park really begins.
Standing here today in Norwood Grove you feel a palpable connection to the past. Imagine life here in the early 1800s, bustling with activity. The now grand mansion was then a bustling hub, a place of important meetings and decisions. Arthur Anderson, a significant figure in the history of the P&O shipping company, made this place his home. He was a man of humble beginnings who through sheer determination rose to the top. Picture Anderson here in Norwood Grove, strategizing with his partners about the future of shipping, the fate of vast ships navigating across vast oceans. It’s a fascinating story of ingenuity and vision.
You’ll notice that this park is beautifully well-maintained, an oasis of peace amidst a busy city. This is due in part to the generous efforts of Stenton Covington. In 1910 he rallied support to save the site from development. He formed a committee which included the Archbishop of Canterbury and raised enough funds to purchase the land linking Norwood Grove and The Rookery. Covington’s efforts made sure that this park was preserved for future generations. Thanks to his vision, we can enjoy this tranquil green space today. You’ll see his legacy in the name of Covington Way, a graceful boulevard bordering the park. As you walk around Norwood Grove take a moment to reflect on the countless people who walked these grounds before you, and the dedicated individuals who worked so hard to protect this beautiful place.