Goldsworth Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Goldsworth Park |
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 The lake |
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 Goldsworth Park
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| Population | 12,000 approx |
| OS grid reference | SU990585 |
| District | |
| Shire county | |
| Region | |
| Country | England |
| Sovereign state | United Kingdom |
| Post town | WOKING |
| Postcode district | GU21 |
| Dialling code | 01483 |
| Police | Surrey |
| Fire | Surrey |
| Ambulance | South East Coast |
| EU Parliament | South East England |
| UK Parliament |
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Goldsworth Park is a large neighborhood located northwest of Woking in Surrey, England. It gets its name from the older Goldsworth area nearby. This original Goldsworth area was a big part of Woking Parish, covering places like Brookwood, Knaphill, and St. John's. Today, Goldsworth Park is surrounded by villages such as St. John's, Knaphill, and Horsell.
It is also the name of a Church of England parish. Its church, St Andrew's, describes Goldsworth Park as a 'garden estate'. This means it was designed with lots of green spaces and a pleasant environment.
Contents
Discovering Goldsworth Park's Past
Ancient Times and Early Settlements
Long ago, between the 1920s and 1930s, thousands of flint tools were found in the area that is now Goldsworth Park's playing fields. These tools were likely left by a small group of people who lived near the Parley Brook valley.
The name Goldsworth was first written down in 1229. It might come from 'la Goldhord', which could mean that gold coins were once found there. Back then, Goldsworth was just a few houses where Goldsworth Road is now. However, the name also referred to a larger area covering most of northwest Woking Parish.
Two old buildings, Long Lane Cottage (now in Clifton Way) and Langman's (now in Langman's Lane), are thought to have been built in the 1500s. They are made of timber and are now protected as important historic buildings.
The Famous Goldsworth Nursery
In 1760, James Turner bought land in the Goldsworth area. In 1790, he started a plant nursery near the canal. This nursery was later passed down through different owners. In the 1830s, it became known as Goldsworth Nursery. It grew a lot when Walter Charles Slocock bought it in 1877 and added more land.
The Goldsworth (Langmans) Bridge, a brick bridge over the Basingstoke Canal, was built in 1790. It is now a protected ancient monument. Goldsworth Road was built in 1836.
The Goldsworth Nursery staff who died in the First World War are remembered on the Goldsworth Nursery War Memorial.
Building the Modern Estate
In 1964, there was a plan to grow the population of Woking to 97,000 by 1981. This plan suggested building three new housing areas. One of these was called 'Slococks', planned for the land where Goldsworth Nursery used to be.
In 1973, the government approved the Goldsworth Park project. Work began in an area called Goldsworth Vale. The goal was to build 4,500 homes for 15,000 people. The plan also included a lake, sports areas, shops, a swimming pool, a library, and churches. The very first house was finished in 1974.
By 1978, about 1,000 homes were completed. The Goldsworth Park Scouts and Guides groups started that same year. A doctor's office opened in Goldsworth Park in 1979.
The first leader for St Andrews Church Goldsworth Park was chosen in 1981. At first, church services were held in local schools because the church building wasn't ready. The shops opened in 1982, and the Goldsworth Park Health Centre opened in 1985.
In 1988, the Goldwater Lodge and St Andrews Church buildings were finished. By this time, about 3,000 homes were built. The last homes were completed in the 1990s.
In 1999, the Goldsworth Park area was divided into two voting areas: Goldsworth West and Goldsworth East.
In 2000, Goldsworth Care, a local support service, was started. In 2008, St Andrew's Church opened its A2 Youth & Community Centre. This center provides fun activities for young people and spaces for community events.
In 2011, Woking Borough Council opened a new building for the Woking Sea Cadets next to the lake. This building looks a bit like a ship. It is also used by community groups and can serve as an emergency center for the council.
Sadly, the Goldwater Lodge burned down in 2012, and it was thought to be arson. The building was rebuilt, and the community hall reopened in April 2015.
What You Can Find in Goldsworth Park
Goldsworth Park has many useful and fun places:
- A dental center
- Shops for everyday needs
- A mobile library
- A community hall for events
- A children's play center
- A pub
- A health center
- St. Andrew's Church with its A2 Youth & Community Centre
- Lakers Youth Centre
- A Waitrose supermarket
- A garage
- A beautiful lake
- Recreation grounds with pitches for field hockey, football, and cricket
- Offices and a trading estate
- A chemist and hairdressers
- A Scout and Guide hall
- A canal
- Recycling facilities
- Children's playgrounds
- A basketball court
- A skateboard area and ramp
Notable People from Goldsworth Park
Some people who have lived in Goldsworth Park have achieved important roles:
- Professor C J Wrigley, born in 1947, went to Goldsworth School.
- Rosie Sharpley from Goldsworth became the Mayor of Woking from 1993 to 1994. She also represented Woking in the South East Region Assembly.
- In 2000, Ian Eastwood from Goldsworth became the Mayor of Woking.
Sports and Activities
Goldsworth Park is home to the local football team, Goldsworth Park Rangers. They play at the Goldsworth Park Recreation Ground.
The Goldsworth Park Angling Club was started in 2015. This club manages fishing at Goldsworth Park Lake and Brookwood Ponds. They work with Woking Borough Council to do this.
Images for kids
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The lake
