Beckenham Place Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Beckenham Place Park |
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Beckenham Place Park is the largest green space in Lewisham
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| Type | public park |
| Location | London, England |
| Area | 96 hectares (237 acres) |
| Created | 1927 (golf course 1907-1929-2016) |
| Operated by | London Borough of Lewisham |
| Status | Open year round |
Beckenham Place Park is a huge park found near Beckenham in London. It's in the London Borough of Lewisham, right next to the border with the London Borough of Bromley. The beautiful old house, called a Palladian-style mansion, gave the park its name. Today, this mansion is a busy community center and a cozy café.
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The Park's Story
The land that makes up Beckenham Place Park has a long history. It was once part of different estates. The main house was built by a man named John Cator. He started buying land here as early as 1757. By 1762, his new house was finished.
A Botanist's Paradise
John Cator's father-in-law was a famous plant expert, Peter Collinson. In 1762, Collinson visited the new house. He was very impressed with the park. He wrote that Cator's new plantings would make the place "a Paradise."
Cator was known for bringing in many interesting tree types. He also created a lake in the park. This lake was dry for a while, but now it's back! It's a great spot for wild swimming and a home for birds. Even today, the park is home to about 60 different kinds of trees.
From Family Home to Public Park
The Cator family owned the mansion for many years. Later, it was rented out and even used as a school and a special hospital. In 1927, the London County Council bought the park.
In 1929, the park's golf course became the first one owned by a city in England. It was also said to be the busiest! The mansion was used as the golf clubhouse.
During the Second World War, the park had an important role. It was used as a prisoner of war camp. There were also defenses like anti-aircraft guns and big barrage balloons. These helped protect the area from air attacks.
After the war, different councils managed the park. Since 1995, the park has been fully managed by the Lewisham borough council.
What You'll Find in the Park
Beckenham Place Park is the biggest green space in Lewisham. It covers about 96 hectares, which is like 190 football fields! It has many cool things to see and do.
Park Layout
A railway line cuts through the park. This means the park is split into two parts: a west side and an east side. You can cross between them using a bridge or by leaving and re-entering the park near Ravensbourne railway station.
Nature and Wildlife
This park is a fantastic place for wildlife. It has very old woodlands and many different natural areas. You can find ancient oak trees, wild service trees, and sweet chestnut trees. There was once a very old Turkey oak tree, thought to be the second oldest in Britain. Sadly, it fell down in 2002. There's also an old mulberry tree.
Modern Updates
In 2019, the park got a big makeover! It cost £6.8 million. The public golf course closed, but new exciting things opened. Now you can enjoy a wild swimming lake and a cool BMX track.
The park is also a special place for nature. It's known as a Local Nature Reserve. It's also part of the Green Chain Walk and the Capital Ring, which are long walking routes around London.
Images for kids
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Beckenham Place Mansion
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The stable block in Beckenham Place Park
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