Description
An inter-war development protected by National Playing Fields Association covenant, Chase Lane Park consists of a fenced area of open grass between residential streets with a perimeter path and an enclosed playground. Until relatively recently the park was called Chingford Hall Park, named for the ancient manor house that had existed to the east of Hall Lane. The moated site was still visible in the 1930s, although most of its rural estate was built over between the wars. By 1936 Chingford Hall Playing Fields existed as public open space but by the 1960s the site was renamed Chingford Hall Park and had a model boating pool, playground, pavilion, drinking fountain and toilet. It now provides various play facilities for children and people with disabilities and is home to The Angela Searle Playscheme for children with disabilities.
Practical Information
| Previously known as | Chingford Hall Playing Fields; Chingford Hall Park |
|---|---|
| Site location | Waverley Avenue, off Hall Lane, South Chingford |
| Postcode | E4 |
| What3Words | ///sunk.planet.cars |
| Type of Site | Public Park |
| Borough | Waltham Forest |
| Open to Public | Yes |
| Opening Times | 9am-half hour before sunset |
| Facilities | Children’s playground, disabled access |
| Public Transport | Rail: Highams Park; Chingford then bus. Bus: 444, W16 |
| Research Updated | 22 July 2021 |
| Last Updated | 18 October 2026 |
Further Information
| Grid Reference | TQ366926 |
|---|---|
| Size in hectares | 2.96 |
| Site Ownership | LB Waltham Forest |
| Site Management | Urbaser Ltd as part of the Street Care and Associated Services contract with LBWF; Chase Lane Park Watch Group |
| Dates | 1930s |
| 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 |
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
Memorial Park was Chingford UDC's first municipal park, laid out on an irregularly shaped site surrounded by early C20th residential streets. The park incorporated an already existing sunken Garden of Remembrance that had been created by public subscription as a memorial to those who lost their lives in WWI. It was taken over by the UDC when they laid out Memorial Park in 1930. Facilities in the new park included tennis courts, a bowling green and pavilion. The park entrance through the original 1930s gates lead directly to the small memorial garden before the park opens out. An area of planting surrounds a pond with a fine willow, a sculpture by Jack Gardner, 'Tao Column 92', sited nearby.
This small public garden is on a piece of land adjacent to Chingford Old Church (q.v.). At the entrance on the corner of Priory Avenue and Old Church Road is a granite plaque inscribed in gold lettering: 'GOOD MEMORIAL GARDEN, Presented to Chingford Urban District Council by the sons of Mr Thomas Good on the death of their father in 1932'. Steps lead up to the raised garden, which has rose beds, paths and a few small trees.
All Saints Church was formerly Chingford parish church, erected on a site of worship probably in use since Norman times. By 1710 its name had been changed to St Peter and St Paul, but it ceased to be used when it became structurally unsafe and a new parish church was built on Chingford Green. By the early C20th the old church had become derelict, known as ‘The Green Church’ due to its dense ivy-cladding, and an inspiration to artists. When new housing was built in the area, the church was re-built in 1928 and once more took its old name of All Saints. It has a small churchyard.
