Ever wondered where Havering’s largest park is? It is Bedfords Park. This 215-acre green space sits between Collier Row and Harold Hill. Once a private estate, Bedfords Park now welcomes everyone.
Bedfords Park has proudly held Green Flag status since 2007. It’s also a Local Nature Reserve. A herd of captive red deer roam here. They are a popular attraction for visitors. The park’s rolling hills create varied environments. You’ll find scrubland and extensive woodland.
The name Bedfords comes from John Bedforde. He owned land here in 1362. Bedfords joined with neighboring Earls. Together, they became part of the Gidea Hall estate in the 15th century.
In 1412, Robert Chichele acquired Bedfords for the Gidea Hall estate. The Cooke family purchased Gidea Hall in 1452. They added Earles to the estate. Bedfords remained part of Gidea Hall until 1659. That’s when it was sold to Joachim Matthews. He lived at nearby Gobions.
Later, Sir Philip Matthews sold Bedfords and Earles in 1688. Simon Rogers and his wife Sarah bought the estate. A string of London merchants then owned Bedfords. None of them lived here. In 1771, Nataniel Houlton sold Bedfords to John Heaton.
John Heaton was a lawyer. He advised the Duke of Devonshire. By the late 1700s, Heaton was wealthy. He purchased Bedfords. This cemented his status among the landed gentry.
From 1783 to 1788, John Gould kept a detailed diary. Heaton’s agent described Bedfords. It had the appearance of a park and all the uses of a farm. Heaton rebuilt the house into a two-story brick mansion. He also built Upper Bedfords.
Heaton’s two-acre garden was enclosed by 12-foot high brick walls. On John Heaton’s death, his grandson Charles Heaton Ellis inherited most of the estate. Tenants like Joseph Quincey and John Rogers lived here.
Charles Ellis Heaton owned 537 acres by 1846. In 1853, the estate was divided and sold. A Mr J.W. Hawksley purchased Bedfords and Earls. He lived in the mansion.
In 1865, a Mr Charles Barber bought Bedfords and Earls. The mansion was enlarged between 1865 and 1867. In 1870, Henry Stone bought the estate. He was the last Lord of the Manor.
James Theobald, an MP for Romford, occupied the mansion at one point. In 1933, Stone’s widow sold Bedfords. Romford Urban District Council purchased it for £9,000.
Bedfords Park opened in 1934. The mansion housed a museum and art gallery. During World War II, military forces occupied the house. It served as a base for Home Defence. The mansion deteriorated. It was demolished in 1958. A cafeteria replaced it in 1964.
In 2003, the Essex Wildlife Trust Visitor Centre opened. Today, only the walled garden’s tall red-bricked walls remain. You can explore walking routes. The Essex Wildlife Trust Visitor Centre has food and refreshments. There is also a natural playground and maze on site.
Look around at the grasslands and woodland here. They support diverse wildlife. Keep an eye out for the bluebells. Uncommon plants grow here too. These include great horsetail and hairy wood-rush. Ponds support damselflies. Breeding birds include warblers. You might see a hobby or a lesser-spotted woodpecker.
Bedfords Park gives panoramic views across East London. This park preserves history and nature. It offers a tranquil escape. It also gives a glimpse into the past.