Inventory Site Record

Longlands Recreation Ground was laid out c.1900 on land formerly known as Priestlands, which was donated by the Hawkins family who stipulated it was to be used as a Recreation Ground to the south, with land for Allotments to the north. The Upper area to the south had a curved footpath through it and became the recreation ground while the Lower portion to the north was cleared and developed as allotments during the 1900s. The footpath between the two halves used to be closed on May 1st as a reminder that it was owned by the Council and not by ratepayers at large.

Previous / Other name:

Priestlands

Site location:

Crescent Road, Sidcup

Postcode:

DA15 7HN

What 3 Words:

brains.armed.tinsel

Type of site:

Public Park

Borough:

Bexley

Open to public?

Yes

Opening times:

7.30am - 8pm weekdays. 9am - 8pm weekends Opening Hours 7.30 - 8 p.m. Weekdays

Special conditions:

Facilities:

1 standard football pitch, changing facilities

Events:

Public transport:

Rail: Sidcup. Bus: 321.

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Research updated:

01/02/2011

Last minor changes:

19/07/2023

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

The Hawkins family donated land, formerly known as Priestlands, to be used as a Recreation Ground to the south, with land for Allotments to the north. This was to form a barrier between their new housing development and the residents of Woodside Road who were considered ‘working class’. The Upper part to the south had a curved footpath driven through it and this became Longlands Recreation Ground with real woods and bushes. The Lower portion, to the north, was cleared and developed as allotments during the 1900s. The straight footpath between the two halves used to be closed on May 1st as a reminder that it was owned by the Council and not by ratepayers at large. Either before or after the 1914-18 war swings and other play equipment was introduced to the south-west corner of the recreation ground but these did not survive the 1939-35 war. Today the park is dominated by playing fields with two smaller blocks of allotments to the north. A good number of mature oaks remain and the early C20th building, decorated with burnt brick fragments and named ‘the caretakers office’ is roofed with corrugated iron.

Sources consulted:

B.N. Nunns 'Brief Notes on Longlands' unpublished m.s.

Grid ref:

TQ456722 (545606,172250)

Size in hectares:

Site ownership:

LB Bexley

Site management:

Parks and Open Spaces

Date(s):

c.1900

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:

Urban open space