Inventory Site Record

The land was originally part of the estate of Springfields House, probably so-called due to a natural spring arising nearby. The estate was sold in 1877 and part of the land built over. Acton UDC purchased this site in 1920 when carrying out a large sewage scheme and used it to deposit excavated material from 1920-33. The decision was then taken to turn the 'disgraceful patch of land' into ornamental public gardens, which were laid out and opened in 1935. Facilities for both old and young visitors were created, including an open-air theatre, although this was subsequently pulled down.

Site location:

Horn Lane/Rosemont Road/Creswick Road, Acton

Postcode:

W3

What 3 Words:

bath.works.photo

Type of site:

Public Park

Borough:

Ealing

Open to public?

Yes

Opening times:

7.30am - dusk

Special conditions:

Facilities:

Playground, dog area

Events:

Public transport:

Tube: Acton Town (Piccadilly, District) then bus. Rail: Acton then bus. Bus: 266, 207, 427

Citymapper    
Google Map    
streetmap.co.uk

Research updated:

01/10/2010

Last minor changes:

19/07/2023

Please check with the site owner or manager for latest news. www.ealing.gov.uk/services/environment/parks_and_open_spaces

The site was originally part of the estate of Springfields House, probably so-called due to a natural spring arising in Rosemont Road nearby, that flows into Stamford Brook and eventually to the Thames at Hammersmith. Springfields House had stood on the opposite side of Horn Lane from the public park; the estate was sold in 1877 and part of the land built on. Land here was purchased by Acton Urban District Council in 1920 for £7,800, part of which was then sold on reducing the cost. The Council had purchased this when carrying out a large sewage scheme and needed a place to deposit excavated material, the portion of land adjacent to Horn Lane being some 8 ft below the level of the roadway and large amounts of excavated material was dumped here between 1920 and 1933. The decision was then taken to turn the 'disgraceful patch of land' into ornamental public gardens, somewhat controversially due to opposition by allotment holders on part of the land. There had been an earlier proposal for an 'open-air swimming bath, a sun bath and a coffee garden and social pleasance' but owners of the adjoining smart houses had foiled this.

Springfield Garden was opened to the public in June 1935 by the Mayor of Acton. The gardens were laid out at a cost of £3,561 with a contribution by the MCC of £1,439 on condition that no buildings apart from those associated with sports and recreation be erected. This condition was stipulated due to a proposal for part of the site to house a mortuary, coroner's court and fire station. At the opening event the new gardens had 'trim lawns, flower-beds, rockeries, meandering gravel paths and summer houses' and the main entrance on Horn Lane was 'pergola-decorated'. The intention was for the gardens to serve a double purpose and to be of benefit to both young and old visitors, with gardens for rest as well as facilities for active sports. Tennis courts, putting greens and bowling greens and a children's playground were provided and the park had a path 'in the form of a loop for gentle exercise'. An open-air theatre on the site was provided but subsequently pulled down. The park has no large trees, and planting consists of lawns, shrubs, trees and rose beds; there are good 1930s gates, stone gate piers and railings on Horn Lane. Springfield Gardens has been part of the new developments in Ealing Council's Liveability Fund.

Sources consulted:

Middlesex County Times, 15/6/1935, 23/6/1934; Victoria County History.

Grid ref:

TQ200805 (520016,180574)

Size in hectares:

2.24

Site ownership:

LB Ealing

Site management:

Leisure & Parks Service

Date(s):

1934

Designer(s):

Listed structures:

None

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 Data

The information below is taken from the relevant Local Authority's planning legislation, which was correct at the time of research but may have been amended in the interim. Please check with the Local Authority for latest planning information.

On Local List:

No

In Conservation Area:

No

Tree Preservation Order:

Not known

Nature Conservation Area:

No

Green Belt:

No

Metropolitan Open Land:

No

Special Policy Area:

No

Other LA designation:

None