Category: History

By Michael G. Cousins The earliest surviving ornamental grotto in this country is that at Woburn Abbey, which dates from the late 1620s. In form, these grottoes largely followed the style of those to be found in European gardens, particularly Italy, although there were notable exceptions such Thomas Bushell’s grotto at Enstone in Oxfordshire.

Rarely can the detailed history of one place be chronicled over so many centuries as that of Wanstead Park. This outline of a fascinating story was originally the work of Alan Cornish M.Sc., former Chairman of the Friends of Wanstead Parklands. It was first published in 1982 by the Friends under the title ‘Wanstead Park […]

Press report by Paul Donovan The connection between George Washington, a fireplace and Wanstead Park may not be immediately obvious but the link makes up one of the most intriguing parts of the fascinating history of the area. The link has been made by local historian Steve Pewsey, who as part of the lottery funded […]

THE LAKE SYSTEM OF WANSTEAD PARK & THE MYSTERY OF THE HERONRY POND James Berry B Sc (Geog) Alan Cornish M Sc (Tpt) In this report, originally published in March 1978, the authors explain discuss the history of the lake system in the park and explain why the water levels are still prone to wide […]