Ravensbourne Park Gardens (Lewisham)
Brief Description
0.8 hectare public park. The park currently features London Plane trees as well as some ornamental trees eg Catalpa; and a set of children's swings. The railings are late 20th Century. There is a mixture of hard-standing paths and informal paths. The development of the Ravensbourne Park Estate began in the 1820s north of Catford Bridge. The estate was only gradually built over leaving the current space. A number of the early houses survive including the villas at 60-62 Ravensbourne Park opposite Ravensbourne Park Gardens. After WWI the area became fully developed and the current public gardens date from c.1960s/70s.
Practical Information
- Site location:
- Ravensbourne Park/Ravensbourne Park Crescent
- Postcode:
- SE6
- What 3 Words:
- ledge.papers.advice
- Type of site:
- Public Park
- Borough:
- Lewisham
- Open to public?
- Yes
- Opening times:
- unrestricted
- Special conditions:
- Facilities:
- Playground
- Events:
- Public transport:
- Rail: Catford/Catford Bridge. Bus: 584.
- Research updated:
- 01/04/2012
- Last minor changes:
- 12/09/2024
Please check with the site owner or manager for latest news. www.lewisham.gov.uk/inmyarea/openspaces/parks
Full Site Description
0.8 hectare public park. The park currently features London Plane trees as well as some ornamental trees eg Catalpa; and a set of children's swings. The railings are late 20th Century. There is a mixture of hardstanding paths and informal paths.
This park is not particularly close to Ravensbourne River and not be confused with Brookmill Park formally known as Ravensbourne Park.
The development of the Ravensbourne Park Estate began in the 1820s north of Catford Bridge, but was only gradually built. A number of the early houses survive including the villas at 60-62 Ravensbourne Park opposite Ravensbourne Park Gardens. They are sited on land which was originally a private green for the estate. A house called Ravensbourne Park House is shown on the 1870s OS map to the south of the site of the present gardens. OS maps from 1894-1896 and 1915 show an unidentified circular feature in the north east part of the park. After WWI the area became fully developed and the current public gardens date from c.1960s/70s.
Sources consulted:
Darrell Spurgeon, 'Discover Sydenham and Catford', (Greenwich Guide-books, 1999). Candy Blackham, 'Green Lewisham', (Clink Street Publishing, 2022)
Ravensbourne Park in SE London - Enthusiastic Gardener
Further Information (Planning and Conservation)
- Grid ref:
- TQ369738 (536976,173764)
- Size in hectares:
- Site ownership:
- LB Lewisham
- Site management:
- Greenscene Department, Glendale Grounds Management
- Date(s):
- C19th; 1960s/70s
- 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:
- No
- Nature Conservation Area:
- No
- Green Belt:
- No
- Metropolitan Open Land:
- No
- Special Policy Area:
- No
- Other LA designation:
- Public Open Space
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.
