Description
Southend Park dates from the 1950s, provided to serve the growing population as housing development took place in the area. The OS Map for 1952 shows the park on a smaller site to its current extent, with a paddling pool, footpaths, ponds and a pump house, and a line of trees on the western boundary. The eastern part of today's park was initially used partly for allotments but by 1971 the whole area was occupied by Southend Park, with the ponds and pump house still in place in the west and a shelter and toilets now provided. The eastern area is shown with banked sides, and a playground in the south east corner. The park today has areas of grass crossed by asphalt paths, relieved by changes in level, with remains of a concrete cascade, bridge and pond (now dry).
Practical Information
| Site location | Southend Lane/Meadowview Road, Lower Sydenham |
|---|---|
| Postcode | SE6 3NH |
| What3Words | ///inform.breed.nods |
| Type of Site | Public Park |
| Borough | Lewisham |
| Open to Public | Yes |
| Opening Times | unrestricted |
| Facilities | Playground |
| Public Transport | Rail: Lower Sydenham |
| Research Updated | 10 October 2024 |
| Last Updated | 18 October 2026 |
Full description
The area was open land prior to development in the 1950s, through which the River Pool meandered. Although the River Pool runs through Southend Park it is now underground.
By 1953 housing was built east of the railway and south of Southend Lane, enclosing Southend Park, which then occupied the western part of today's public park; the eastern part was initially partly used for allotments, later incorporated into the park. A paddling pool, footpaths, ponds and a pump house are shown on an OS Map for 1952, with a line of trees on the western boundary. By 1971 the park occupied the whole area, with the ponds and pump house still in place in the west and a shelter and toilets now provided, the eastern area shown with banked sides, and a playground in the south east corner. There are remains of a concrete cascade, bridge and pond (now dry) in the park today, which consists of areas of grass crossed by asphalt paths, relieved by changes in level. Among the trees are willow and lime of early C20th date, with more recent flowering cherries, shrubs and modest bedding displays.
By 1953 housing was built east of the railway and south of Southend Lane, enclosing Southend Park, which then occupied the western part of today's public park; the eastern part was initially partly used for allotments, later incorporated into the park. A paddling pool, footpaths, ponds and a pump house are shown on an OS Map for 1952, with a line of trees on the western boundary. By 1971 the park occupied the whole area, with the ponds and pump house still in place in the west and a shelter and toilets now provided, the eastern area shown with banked sides, and a playground in the south east corner. There are remains of a concrete cascade, bridge and pond (now dry) in the park today, which consists of areas of grass crossed by asphalt paths, relieved by changes in level. Among the trees are willow and lime of early C20th date, with more recent flowering cherries, shrubs and modest bedding displays.
Further Information
| Grid Reference | TQ370715 |
|---|---|
| Size in hectares | 2.73 |
| Site Ownership | LB Lewisham |
| Site Management | Greenscene Department, Glendale Grounds Management |
| Dates | 1950s |
| 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 | Lewisham |
| 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 | Public Open Space |
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
The land for the recreation ground was acquired by Lewisham Borough Council 1900 and it opened in June 1901. It was named after Home Park Lodge, which gave part of its gardens to the new park. The public library was once the site of the stables to an early C18th house occupied by Sir George Grove from 1860-1900, but which is thought to have once been owned by Charles James Fox. Along the main road the park is tree lined. It was originally laid out with formal gardens of which only a Lebanon cedar, two mature London planes and a straight walk remain. It is screened from playing fields to the south by privet hedge and shrubs. There is one notable oak in the playing fields area and the park has perimeter planting of London planes.
The Bellingham Estate is a large LCC housing estate built for railway workers on former farmland between railway lines, which was once near the hamlet of Southend and was still rural until the 1920s. Largely completed by 1923, the estate is laid out on cottage-style principles on a semi-formal plan with Bellingham Green as a central open space onto which 6 tree-lined roads converge. Other landscaping on the estate includes avenues of trees, grassed areas, allotments and playing fields. In 2001 Bellingham Green was renovated after years of neglect.
River Pool Walkway is a footpath following part of the River Pool through largely industrial areas to Kangley Bridge Road to the east. There is however a conservation site and some naturalised areas.