Do you hear the echoes of laughter and lively chatter? Welcome to Park Hill Recreation Ground. This 15-acre park offers a green escape near Croydon’s center. It is managed by the London Borough of Croydon.
Park Hill Recreation Ground wasn’t always a park. It has a fascinating past. Once, this land was part of the Archbishop of Canterbury’s Croydon Park. This vast park dated back to at least the 14th century. Sir William Walworth was even appointed its keeper in 1382.
In 1540, the land was exchanged with Henry VIII. Later, it returned to Archbishop Cranmer. By the 18th century, Croydon Palace fell into disrepair. The park was then leased and cultivated into farmland.
Fast forward to 1850. A portion of Bean Hill became a reservoir. This reservoir was a brick cylinder with a domed roof. It held 900000 gallons of water. Water was pumped from a well. It supplied the town with fresh water. The Archbishop of Canterbury inaugurated the Surrey Street pumping station and reservoir on 11 December 1851.
The town’s water demands grew. The Park Hill reservoir became redundant in 1923.
But the story doesn’t end there. The Croydon Water Tower stands tall within Park Hill Recreation Ground. It was built in 1867. Baldwin Latham designed it in Norman style. It supplied water to the highest areas. The water tower has a bartizan.
The water tower held two tanks. One tank held 94000 gallons. It was connected to the reservoir. The other tank held 40000 gallons. It was at the top of the tower. The water tower ceased operation in 1923. Today, it is a Grade II listed building. It remains disused. The tower opened as a viewing platform in 1889 for a penny admission.
The need for public spaces grew. In 1887, Croydon Corporation bought 8 acres of Park Hill. They spent money to create a recreation ground. It was to be preserved forever.
Park Hill Recreation Ground officially opened on 11 July 1888. The corporation’s road surveyor laid it out. Forty seats were provided. A bandstand was donated in 1889.
In 1930, the grounds of Coombe Cliff were added. In 1964, the park was officially renamed Park Hill.
Today, Park Hill Recreation Ground features fine trees and shrubs. There is also an Old English Garden in the walled garden. You can still see the historic Croydon Water Tower here. Although, it is concealed by trees.
As you wander through Park Hill Recreation Ground, remember its layered history. From an Archbishop’s park to a vital water source, it has transformed. Now, it is a place for recreation. It provides green space for all.