Description
Blenheim Park is bounded to the north by the Longford River, which was constructed in the 1630s on the orders of Charles I in order to supply the ornamental waters at Hampton Court Palace, the water brought from the River Colne. It remains in the ownership of the Crown, managed by Royal Parks. Blenheim Park is largely open grassland with football pitches. Once fields, it remained open land when the area was gradually built up with housing.
Practical Information
| Previously known as | Bedfont Lane Recreation Ground |
|---|---|
| Site location | Ruskin Avenue/Bedfont Lane |
| Postcode | TW14 |
| What3Words | ///host.rift.yard |
| Type of Site | Public Park |
| Borough | Hounslow |
| Open to Public | Yes |
| Opening Times | 8am - dusk |
| Facilities | football pitches |
| Public Transport | Rail: Feltham then bus. Bus: H25 |
| Research Updated | 1 September 2011 |
| Last Updated | 18 October 2026 |
Full description
The Longford River was constructed in the 1630s on the orders of Charles I in order to supply the ornamental waters at Hampton Court Palace, the water brought from the River Colne. It was dug by the King's soldiers and took 9 months, and passes through a number of parishes including Bedfont, Feltham and Hampton. Charles's grand plans for his gardens were curtailed when the Civil War broke out but Charles II later built a further canal and lakes after the Restoration. Queen Anne later used water from the Longford River for the Diana Fountain and water gardens in Bushy Park. (q.q.v.). It has had various names, including The King's River, The Queen's River, The New Cut, Hampton Court Cut, Wolsey's River and Cardinal's River, and remains in the ownership of the Crown, managed by Royal Parks.
Further Information
| Grid Reference | TQ101737 |
|---|---|
| Size in hectares | 6.48 |
| Site Ownership | LB Hounslow |
| Site Management | John Laing Integrated Services |
| Dates | Longford River: 1630s |
| 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 | Hounslow |
| In Conservation Area | No |
| Tree Preservation Order | Not known |
| Nature Conservation Area | Yes - Borough Importance II (Longford River) |
| Green Belt | No |
| Metropolitan Open Land | No |
| Special Policy Area | Yes - SRB |
| Other LA Designation | Neighbourhood Park. Local Open Space. Proposed sport/recreation site) |
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
Feltham Park was laid out on former Glebe Land purchased under the auspices of the Middlesex County Council in 1938, with facilities for cricket, tennis, putting greens and football pitches. A sports arena was under construction in 1960. The Assembly Hall with a small clock tower overlooks the main area of open grassland, which has perimeter tarmac paths and some planting of shrubs and roses. To the north is an ornamental pool that was once fed from an underground stream, with a pergola running alongside the water. The park has a number of mature trees including London plane, oak, horse chestnut and various ornamental species, and a fine white poplar just outside the park boundary.
Bridge House Pond is an area of public gardens opposite Feltham station, including a Victorian duck pond that was created when the railway was built in 1849, and soil was dug out to create an embankment for a new railway bridge. The pond is surrounded by trees, and has an area of open space next to it. Having suffered years of neglect, a local group, the Friends of Bridge House Pond, has worked to restore the pond and the adjacent gardens.
Feltham Green is a remnant of Feltham Common; the village of Feltham was previously centred around St Dunstan's Church. The area remained agricultural until the 1920s and was important for growing food to supply London. In the C20th the centre of Feltham moved from the church to nearer Feltham Green and the station. On one corner of the Green is the Red Lion pub, one of Feltham's oldest buildings. A drinking trough donated in 1899 is in the south corner of the Green, which has a large pond fed by water from the Longford River. Feltham Pond (or Duck Pond) is the orginal and oldest village pond out of the three remaining ponds in Feltham and was mentioned in the licensing of 'The Red Lion' in 1722.