Description
The houses enclosing Mayfield Crescent were built c.1930 and provide a good example of private estate planning of the period. The open space was originally reserved as a simple grassed plot surrounded by post and single rail fence, and has evolved into a lawned enclave, bordered by privet hedge with central shrub planting. In each corner 3 flowering trees have been planted, including hawthorn and prunus.
Practical Information
| Site location | Mayfield Crescent/Mayfield Road, Thornton Heath |
|---|---|
| Postcode | CR7 6DH |
| What3Words | ///spill.crisp.lazy |
| Type of Site | Housing/Estate Landscaping |
| Borough | Croydon |
| Open to Public | Yes |
| Opening Times | unrestricted |
| Public Transport | Rail: Norbury then bus. |
| Research Updated | 1 February 2006 |
| Last Updated | 18 October 2026 |
Further Information
| Grid Reference | TQ306680 |
|---|---|
| Site Ownership | LB Croydon |
| Site Management | Highways |
| 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 | Croydon |
| In Conservation Area | No |
| Tree Preservation Order | No |
| Nature Conservation Area | No |
| Green Belt | No |
| Metropolitan Open Land | No |
| Special Policy Area | No |
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
Mitcham Road Cemetery, originally called Croydon Cemetery, was opened in 1897 as an overspill to Queen's Road Cemetery. Buildings included the lodge and chapel. The cemetery has been enlarged twice, in 1935 and in 1937 when Croydon Crematorium was added, later extended in 1962. The cemetery is simply laid out with a grid of paths, avenue of limes and some specimen trees, but around the Crematorium are more formal gardens, a pond, winding paths and drives. Noteworthy monuments include the Lanfranc Memorial to 34 boys and 2 masters from Lanfranc School killed in an air crash in 1961.
Pollards Hill Housing Estate was built in 1968-71, a high density scheme that included various areas of green space in the form of private gardens, partly enclosed squares and a public park, Donnelly Green, named after Mitcham's Head of Parks. The closes and roads within the estate are named after various counties of England and Wales.
Pollards Hill occupies the highest point in Norbury with good views of the surrounding area. It was formerly part of the Great North Wood and the name Pollard probably refers to the management of the woodland. It was retained as open space after the surrounding land was developed in the late C19th although roads lined with avenues of trees were evidently laid out by the 1860s. In 1913 the then owner and former Mayor of Croydon, Sir Frederick Edridge, gave the site to Croydon Corporation to be used as public open space. The park has a Victorian drinking fountain in recognition of his gift.