Inventory Site Record

The site for Hermit Road Recreation Ground was purchased by John H. Bethell, Mayor of West Ham and then MP, later Baron Bethell of Romford, who was a major influence in ensuring that public parks were provided as part of the development of the area. The land was purchased with the aid of private subscriptions and the MPGA also assisted with the purchase and provided 24 seats. The park was opened in May 1899. The original layout featured a tree-lined north-south axis with a bandstand in a central circular area, from which a tree-lined path ran to the south-west corner; a perimeter walk with trees and shrubs encircled the park. Seats, a drinking fountain, refreshment room, shelter and swings were added and by 1939 a bowling green, tennis courts and playground existed in the northern section. The Daisy Parsons Memorial Garden was created to commemorate the former Mayor of West Ham.

Site location:

Hermit Road, Plaistow

Postcode:

E16

What 3 Words:

melt.struck.hike

Type of site:

Public Park

Borough:

Newham

Open to public?

Yes

Opening times:

dawn to dusk. Arc in the Park open term-time Tue-Fri 3.30-6.30; Sat 9.30-4; holidays M-F 9.30-4pm

Special conditions:

Facilities:

Play area, tennis court, basketball court

Events:

Public transport:

Tube: Plaistow; West Ham (District/Hammersmith & City). DLR: Canning Town. Rail: Canning Town. Bus: 5, 15, 69, 241, 276, 300, 330, 474

Citymapper    
Google Map    
streetmap.co.uk

Research updated:

01/04/2012

Last minor changes:

19/07/2023

Please check with the site owner or manager for latest news. www.newham.gov.uk/EntertainmentandLeisure/ParksInNewham/ParksA-Z

John Bethell was responsible for both Balaam Street Park, later renamed Plaistow Park (q.v.), and Canning Town Recreation Ground (q.v.); Bethell Road nearby recalls him. Although most of the recreation ground's original features have since disappeared, the site has mature plane trees along Hermit Road, and its original railings and main entrance gate are on Hermit Road. The 1930s brick toilets are boarded up, and the site of the bandstand is marked by a garden area with shrubberies. The park was extended in its northern corner where houses had previously existed, and here a small ornamental rose garden was created to commemorate Daisy Parsons, who was Mayor of West Ham in 1936. Today the park houses Arc in the Park, an open access adventure playground for 5-14 year olds, which particularly aims to include disabled children, and has a garden project with raised beds, a water feature, scented herbs.

Sources consulted:

LB Newham Parks Archive; Landscape Design Associates Report on Heritage Value of 9 Parks, for LB Newham, July 1997.

Grid ref:

TQ398824 (539850,182450)

Size in hectares:

4.15

Site ownership:

LB Newham

Site management:

Parks Service

Date(s):

1899

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:

None