Battersea Park

Battersea Park is one of London's best nineteenth century public parks. It was designed for public use, unlike the royal parks, and has a wide range of facilities. The orginal design (laid out between 1846 and 1864 to designs by James Pennethorne and John Gibson) was rather dull but much has been added. The site was originally flat and swampy. In all probability it would now be designated a nature reserve and protected. But the land was built up using material excavated from the Royal Victoria Dock and supplied free of charge by Thomas Cubitt. Battersea retains many typically Victorian park features including a serpentine carriage drive, a formal avenue, an irregular lake, flower gardens and shrubberies. The profit which was made on the terraced houses in Albert Bridge Road and Prince of Wales Drive helped to pay for the park which they overlook.

In 1951 the Festival of Britain Pleasure Gardens (design by James Gardener) were laid out in Battersea Park. The Grand Vista was designed by Russell Page. The fountains have been restored. There is a Peace Pavilion beside the River Thames. Wandsworth Council, with consultancy advice from the landscape architects Derek Lovejoy and Partners, restored the park.

Battersea SW3.

See eBook Alicia Amherst on Battersea Park, 1907 

HOMEPAGE - Landscape Architecture London List

• 17 days ago Miche said

  If you love Battersea Park as much as I, you might want to check out this free song set in and around the park, entitled. 'Shooting Hearts in Battersea Park' I loved it ! Sad story, but lovely up beat tune.
  
  Link:
  
  http://www.icompositions.com/music/song.php?sid=179013
  
  Enjoy !
  
  

• over 1 year ago Laurence Butler said

  My mother was born in Battersea Church Road and I remember well going to the funfair and walking through the 'grotto' with its mysterious lighting, walkways and (I presume piped-in) aromatic smells. My father was born in Wandsworth and this whole area of London reminds me of them so much. The basic layout of much of the city is the same as it was pre-war, of course - they'd still recognise it!
  Battersea Park is a wonderful place for a walk, a picnic or a peaceful chant at the pagoda...