Once farmland, now a vibrant green space. This is Fordham Park. It sits in New Cross, London. Today we will discover its story.
Fordham Park is owned and managed by the London Borough of Lewisham. The park lies between New Cross and New Cross Gate railway stations. It is just north of the A2 road. This road connects London and Dover. Deptford Green School is immediately to the south. Students often use the park as a sports area.
The park spans 9.2 acres. It offers a tranquil escape from the city. Well-maintained paths and lush greenery create a perfect environment. It suits both leisurely strolls and invigorating runs.
Back in 1619, King James 1 owned this land. Clifton Rise leads into one side of Fordham Park. In 1619, this was Wolve Acre Lane. The area was farmland then.
Housing development began in the mid-1800s. By 1965, the area was tightly packed with urban streets. Heavy bombing during World War II led to the demolition of some housing. Snead Street and Vance Street dated back to 1875. These roads were demolished in 1975.
Fordham Park had a skateboarding park in its early days. Patrick Brown designed it in 1978. He was a member of the National Skateboarding Association. During the 1980s, the park was used as a sports ground.
A major regeneration project took place in 2010. It added new lighting, trees, furniture and play elements. Local people enjoy the variety Fordham Park offers.
From 1990 to 1996, Fordham Park hosted the annual Deptford Urban Free Festival. Bands like Back to the Planet and Test Dept played here.
In 2012, a public memorial plaque and bench were installed. They are dedicated to the victims of the New Cross house fire of 1981.
Childeric Road has mid-Victorian housing. Railings enclose the park here. Old plane trees still stand tall. Roses and hypericums bloom at the ends of the road. Oak leaf hydrangeas add beauty at the junction of Childeric Road and Sanford Street.
Angus Street also has some Victorian houses. They sit adjacent to Deptford Green School. The park between Angus Street and Childeric Street feels like a small country town. It features undulating paths and large trees. Many cherry trees grow in a wild area. Wooden totem poles stand near Angus Street.
The entrance from Pagnell Street is more spare. The linear tree walk starts here, marked by an oak tree. The Moonshot Centre is on this side of the park. It was built in 1981 after the New Cross house fire. It serves the African and Caribbean communities.
Play areas include a sandpit for young children. There is a climbing frame, youth shelter, and table tennis tables. An area for ball games, a trim trail, and a football pitch are also available. A cycle route winds through the park.
Heather Burrell, a local artist, created metalwork for the park. Her work can be seen in the underpass to Douglas Way and Margaret McMillan Park.
Today, Fordham Park provides essential amenities. These include leisure playgrounds and bicycle parking. Sports facilities feature bike paths and a soccer court.
The best place to walk is around the central walking loop. It is a well-maintained path. The main walking loop is approximately 0.3 miles long.
Whether you’re walking, running, or simply relaxing, Fordham Park offers a serene escape. Remember its history, from farmland to vibrant community space. Take a moment to appreciate the blend of nature and remembrance found here. This is Fordham Park, a place of peace and recreation for all.