Imagine banners, flags, bunting, and streamers of every hue. They decorated Church Road. The procession stretched from All Saints Church to Upper Beulah Hill. We are at Upper Norwood Recreation Ground.
The Mayor of Croydon, resplendent in scarlet robes opened this ground. It was May 14th, 1890 a glorious day. The Upper Norwood Recreation Ground was finally open.
Before this day bricks and mortar were flowing like the tide. People wanted their own recreation ground. Churches and societies petitioned Croydon for an open space. Croydon agreed to purchase 20 acres. The land was bounded by Eversley Road. It was also bounded by Hermitage Road, Chevening Road and Harold Road. The cost was about £6,000.
The procession was like nothing Upper Norwood had ever seen. It included 1,400 children. Friendly societies and fire engines joined too. Bands played. A footman came out of Hazelmere with cigars for the firemen. The Mayor arrived in his magnificent carriage.
The Vicar of All Saints offered a dedicatory prayer. The Choir of the Royal Normal College for the Blind sang. Afterward there were tea and sports for the children. The day ended with fireworks by Messrs. Brock and Co.
A year later Mr. Southgate presented a granite drinking fountain. A bandstand was erected nearby. Its outline can still be traced today in Upper Norwood Recreation Ground.
The Upper Norwood Recreation Ground cost about £6,500. The council acquired it in 1890. They bought it from the Ecclesiastical Commissioners. The Borough Road Surveyor laid it out for about £2,500. This included the construction of Eversley and Chevening roads.
A local newspaper called it a short walk from the snobocracy. It meant the upper middle class of Upper Norwood villadom. Visitors were expected from Crystal Palace Stations. Many people were expected from Lambeth. Lambeth had a large population but little open space.
The newspaper said the landscape was sparse. One of the best things was the view. It included the towers of Crystal Palace. The reporter hoped a wealthy resident would donate a shelter.
The Upper Norwood Recreation Ground got a shelter and drinking fountain. It also got a bandstand. Tennis courts and changing rooms were built. Footballers and cricketers used the ground. The north-western end had allotment gardens. Now the ground has been developed for more sports.
The River Effra has one of its headwaters here. It runs underground northwest. Several springs rise west of Church Road. Westow Park is often wet. The water flows under Chevening Road. It joins another course that flows under Orleans Road. The river then flows under Hancock Road and Hermitage Road. It goes through the Convent of the Faithful Virgin grounds. The river was visible at the beginning of the century. Now it is culverted.
Legend says Queen Elizabeth I came up the river. She traveled in her barge to Hermitage Road. The old Saxon name for the river was Heah efre. That means high bank. After much flooding the river was directed underground.
Today the Upper Norwood Recreation Ground continues to be a valuable green space. It’s a place for recreation and relaxation. Remember its history as you enjoy this park.