Envision, if you will, a verdant oasis amid the urban sprawl. This is Mountsfield Park. It’s a treasure in the London Borough of Lewisham. Let’s explore its story.
Mountsfield Park wasn’t always the expansive green space it is today. Its origins trace back to 1845. A house and grounds were built for Henry Tibbats Stainton. He was a noted microlepidopterist and entomologist. Stainton’s father gifted it to him as a wedding present.
In 1903, Stainton’s widow bequeathed the house and parkland for a public park. Mountsfield Park opened to the public in August 1905. This original section was just 2.5 hectares. That’s about six acres.
Over time, Mountsfield Park grew significantly. Land was purchased from the School Board for London. Additional allotment land was acquired. A former football ground called The Mount became part of the park.
Speaking of The Mount, it has a fascinating history of its own. From 1909, it was the home of Catford Southend F.C. However, World War I interrupted their footballing activities. Football resumed in 1919. Ambitious plans emerged. A merger with Charlton Athletic was proposed. The Mount was re-oriented and upgraded to accommodate larger crowds. Forty-four thousand tons of earth were moved. Sadly, the expected attendances didn’t materialize. Charlton returned to their original ground. The Mount closed in January 1927. It was then absorbed into Mountsfield Park.
Even after World War II, Mountsfield Park continued to expand. A bombed row of houses on George Lane was added. In 1994, playing fields from Catford Boys School were incorporated. Today, Mountsfield Park covers 13 hectares. That’s about 32 acres.
The original house, Mountsfield, was demolished in 1905. However, stables and outbuildings remained. They served as park keepers’ buildings. A fire destroyed them in 1969. A former museum for Stainton’s entomology collections became a tearoom. It was later demolished in 1981.
Today, you can enter Mountsfield Park from Stainton Road, Brownhill Road, George Lane, and Carswell Road. The largest gates are on Carswell Road. You’ll find football pitches and tennis courts. There is also a ball court and a children’s play area.
Mountsfield Park hosts large events. Lewisham Borough Council’s People’s Day attracts crowds of over 30,000. The weekly Catford parkrun also takes place here.
The park includes a bandstand and a community garden. There is also a meadow grassland and an Edwardian rose garden. Higher ground offers views of Catford and Crystal Palace.
Mountsfield Park is more than just a green space. It’s a place with a rich and evolving history. It represents the changing face of London. It’s a testament to community and recreation. Take a moment to appreciate the layers of history beneath your feet as you wander through Mountsfield Park.