Description
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.
Practical Information
| Site location | Pollards Crescent, Norbury |
|---|---|
| Postcode | SW16 4NY |
| What3Words | ///sleepy.reef.rings |
| Type of Site | Public Park |
| Borough | Croydon |
| Open to Public | Yes |
| Opening Times | 8am Mon-Fri/9am weekends - dusk |
| Facilities | Viewpoint over Croydon |
| Public Transport | Rail: Norbury then bus. Bus: 60, 109, 255 |
| Research Updated | 1 December 2008 |
| Last Updated | 18 October 2026 |
Full description
Pollards Hill occupies the highest point in Norbury and on a clear day provides good views of the surrounding area, including central Croydon, Epsom Downs, Mitcham Common and Windsor Castle. Pollards Hill was formerly part of the Great North Wood and the name Pollard probably derives from this connection, referring to the management of the woodland. In the late C13th it is recorded as part of arable land belonging to the ancient Manor of Benchesham or Bensham. Pollards Hill was retained as open space after the surrounding land was developed for housing in the late C19th; roads lined with avenues of trees were evidently laid out before the houses were built and these are shown on the 1st edition OS map dated 1868.
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. A Victorian drinking fountain dedicated to Sir Frederick and Lady Edridge was erected in recognition of their gift. There is some peripheral tree-planting and the park has boundary railings. At the summit is a GLC viewing point that indicates the direction of various landmarks. A shelter commemorates the late Dr WA MacWilliam, a local doctor who was well respected by his patients.
Adjacent to Pollards Hill is an area of public open space provided in the 1980s that had previously been used for allotments, and native trees and shrubs have been planted and footpaths laid out. The site contains the well-preserved earthworks of a prehistoric Hill Fort.
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. A Victorian drinking fountain dedicated to Sir Frederick and Lady Edridge was erected in recognition of their gift. There is some peripheral tree-planting and the park has boundary railings. At the summit is a GLC viewing point that indicates the direction of various landmarks. A shelter commemorates the late Dr WA MacWilliam, a local doctor who was well respected by his patients.
Adjacent to Pollards Hill is an area of public open space provided in the 1980s that had previously been used for allotments, and native trees and shrubs have been planted and footpaths laid out. The site contains the well-preserved earthworks of a prehistoric Hill Fort.
Further Information
| Grid Reference | TQ303687 |
|---|---|
| Size in hectares | 3.14 |
| Site Ownership | LB Croydon |
| Site Management | Parks and Open Spaces |
| Dates | 1913 |
| 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 | Yes - Local Importance |
| Green Belt | No |
| Metropolitan Open Land | No |
| Special Policy Area | Yes - Archaeological Priority Zone |
| Other LA Designation | Croydon Panorama. Local Open Land. In AP2 |
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
Pollards Hill Recreation Ground was provided when the area was developed for housing in the 1950s.
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.
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.