Description
Abbotts Park was formerly called James Lane Recreation Ground, which was created on land purchased in 1885 by the Lammas land commoners and the local board to replace lost Lammas land. The park is a rectangular site between two streets of C19th houses, enclosed by C19th iron railings and planted with shrubs and trees around the perimeter. In 1934 it was recorded as having 6 hard tennis and 7 grass tennis courts, refreshments pavilion, ornamental gardens and a shelter. It remains much the same today with a central area of open grass, tennis courts and a C19th red-brick pavilion at the west end. It now has a miniature golf course and a number of children's playgrounds.
Practical Information
| Previously known as | James Lane Recreation Ground |
|---|---|
| Site location | Abbotts Park Road/Fletcher Lane, Leyton |
| Postcode | E10 |
| What3Words | ///neck.descended.begin |
| Type of Site | Public Park |
| Borough | Waltham Forest |
| Open to Public | Yes |
| Opening Times | 9am - half hour before sunset |
| Special Conditions | no cycling |
| Facilities | Tennis courts, under 12s and under 7s playgrounds, fitness equipment, toilets (when parks staff present). Disabled access |
| Public Transport | London Overground: Leyton Midland Road. Bus: 69, 97, W16 |
| Research Updated | 22 July 2021 |
| Last Updated | 18 October 2026 |
Full description
Friends of Abbotts Park is run by local volunteers who work with the Council’s Greenspace team
Further Information
| Grid Reference | TQ382876 |
|---|---|
| Size in hectares | 1.67 |
| Site Ownership | LB Waltham Forest |
| Site Management | Urbaser Ltd as part of the Street Care and Associated Services contract with LBWF; Friends of Abbotts Park |
| Dates | 1885; C20th |
| On National Heritage List for England (NHLE), Parks & Gardens | No |
| Registered common or village green on Commons Registration Act 1965 | No |
| Protected under London Squares Preservation Act 1931 | No |
| Local Authority | Waltham Forest |
| In Conservation Area | No |
| Tree Preservation Order | No |
| Nature Conservation Area | No |
| Green Belt | No |
| Metropolitan Open Land | No |
| Special Policy Area | No |
| Other LA Designation | Premier Park |
Gallery
Please note the Inventory and its content are provided for your general information only and are subject to change. It is your responsibility to check the accuracy.
Nearby parks and gardens
Leyton Green is all that remains of the old village green. It is a largely grassed area with some trees, planted with spring bulbs; in c.2003 it was re-landscaped and provided with railings and seating.
Leyton Youth Centre is on the site of the former Essex Cricket Ground, established here in 1884. As the County Ground it was famous throughout the cricketing world for its wicket and for possessing one of the best 'middles'. It was also used for football in the 1890s. It became the headquarters of the Metropolitan Police Sports Club and was known as the Lyttleton Ground from 1933-38. In 1938 the City Parochial Foundation purchased the site in order that it be leased to national organisations representing boys and girls clubs; a running track was laid out and a new gym erected next to the existing pavilion.
The London Master Bakers' Pension and Almshouse Society was founded in 1832. The foundation stone for the new almshouses in Leyton was laid on 5 August 1857. At that time the surrounding area was a small village with a few smart villas belonging to London merchants. The almshouses were designed for the London Master Bakers Benevolent Institution by T E Knightleys, a large 3-sided building around a landscaped courtyard. Described as 'one of the grand almshouses of north-east London', the building has a number of plaques recording that electric light was brought to the almshouses in 1924 and that gas was installed in 1939. The almshouses remain in residential use and are now Council housing.