Inventory Site Record

Blenheim Park is bounded to the north by the Longford River, which was constructed in the 1630s on the orders of Charles I in order to supply the ornamental waters at Hampton Court Palace, the water brought from the River Colne. It remains in the ownership of the Crown, managed by Royal Parks. Blenheim Park is largely open grassland with football pitches. Once fields, it remained open land when the area was gradually built up with housing.

Previous / Other name:

Bedfont Lane Recreation Ground

Site location:

Ruskin Avenue/Bedfont Lane

Postcode:

TW14

What 3 Words:

host.rift.yard

Type of site:

Public Park

Borough:

Hounslow

Open to public?

Yes

Opening times:

8am - dusk

Special conditions:

Facilities:

football pitches

Events:

Public transport:

Rail: Feltham then bus. Bus: H25

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Research updated:

01/09/2011

Last minor changes:

14/07/2022

Please check with the site owner or manager for latest news. www.hounslow.gov.uk

The Longford River was constructed in the 1630s on the orders of Charles I in order to supply the ornamental waters at Hampton Court Palace, the water brought from the River Colne. It was dug by the King's soldiers and took 9 months, and passes through a number of parishes including Bedfont, Feltham and Hampton. Charles's grand plans for his gardens were curtailed when the Civil War broke out but Charles II later built a further canal and lakes after the Restoration. Queen Anne later used water from the Longford River for the Diana Fountain and water gardens in Bushy Park. (q.q.v.). It has had various names, including The King's River, The Queen's River, The New Cut, Hampton Court Cut, Wolsey's River and Cardinal's River, and remains in the ownership of the Crown, managed by Royal Parks.

Sources consulted:

David Pape, 'Nature Conservation in Hounslow' Ecology Handbook 15, London Ecology Unit, 1990; Ruth Hayhurst 'Longford River, The King's giant hose-pipe' leaflet (n.d.)

Grid ref:

TQ101737 (510168,173866)

Size in hectares:

6.48

Site ownership:

LB Hounslow

Site management:

John Laing Integrated Services

Date(s):

Longford River: 1630s

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:

Yes - Borough Importance II (Longford River)

Green Belt:

No

Metropolitan Open Land:

No

Special Policy Area:

Yes - SRB

Other LA designation:

Neighbourhood Park. Local Open Space. Proposed sport/recreation site)