Description
Trumble Gardens were laid out on the site of three houses in Brigstock Road that were destroyed by bombing in WWII. The site was purchased by Croydon Corporation in 1947/8 and cleared of rubble, the new gardens' boundary walls built from the bricks of the houses. A series of different character gardens were laid out including a rose garden and an Italian-style garden. As well as quiet seating areas and ornamental gardens, the public were provided with tennis courts and a children's playground. Originally called Brigstock Road Gardens, the garden was later renamed to commemorate the late Alderman Trumble.
Practical Information
| Previously known as | Brigstock Road Gardens |
|---|---|
| Site location | Brigstock Road, Thornton Heath |
| Postcode | CR7 7BA |
| What3Words | ///dimes.hedge.blitz |
| Type of Site | Public Gardens |
| Borough | Croydon |
| Open to Public | Yes |
| Opening Times | 8am Mon-Fri/9am weekends - dusk |
| Facilities | Children's playground, tennis courts, toilets |
| Public Transport | Rail: Thornton Heath. Bus: 198, 250 |
| Research Updated | 1 April 2010 |
| Last Updated | 18 October 2026 |
Further Information
| Grid Reference | TQ319681 |
|---|---|
| Size in hectares | 1.21 |
| Site Ownership | LB Croydon |
| Site Management | Parks and Open Spaces |
| Dates | 1947/8 |
| 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 |
| Other LA Designation | Local Open Land |
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
One of Croydon's earliest recreation grounds, the first parcel of land for Thornton Heath Recreation Ground was acquired by Croydon Corporation in 1884. Trees were planted and facilities for cricket provided, and further improvements in 1891, including new gates. In 1894 additional land was purchased to enlarge the ground and the public footpath running across the park marks the boundary. The park became very popular and had a bandstand and drinking fountain, no longer present, and later a bowling green, and other sports facilities. A new ornamental garden was opened in 1987.
The old hamlet of Thornton Heath was centred on the pond on London Road. The arrival of the railway and opening in 1862 of Colliers Water Lane Station (renamed Thornton Heath) led to new development around the High Street. St Paul's Road is recorded in the 1865 Croydon Street Directory and St Paul's Church originated as a temporary iron building in 1868. The east end of the church was built in 1871-2, with nave and baptistry added in 1901, and later rebuilding in the 1920s due to subsidence. St Paul's Square is a fenced area of green space with a few trees at the junction of St Paul's Road with Liverpool and Manchester Roads.
Following the establishment of Croydon Burial Board in 1859, Queen's Road Cemetery was the first cemetery in Croydon. It was founded in 1861 and much remains of the original layout, which had a central walk heavily planted with trees, including those planted amongst the graves. Symmetrical curving paths lead off the central path. Buildings include a pair of linked chapels linked, a lodge, stone gate piers and fine railings on Queen's Road. The older part of the cemetery east of the chapels contains the more interesting monuments, with memorials to important local people.