Pimp Hall Park (Waltham Forest)
Brief Description
Pimp Hall Park is on the former land of the C16th Pimps Hall, gardens and farm. In c.1270 it was part of a new manor created near the edge of the Royal Forest of Waltham consisting of 250 acres of farmland, woods, and hedgerows. The name derives from Reynold Pympe who was lord of the manor in 1500. The Hall was used as a working farm until 1934, when it was bought by Chingford Council and the site divided between allotments, a council-run nursery, and this small park, which is predominantly an open grassed space with fine views over Chingford.
Practical Information
- Previous / Other name:
- Pimp Hall
- Site location:
- Simmons Lane, Friday Hill
- Postcode:
- E4 6JH
- What 3 Words:
- rigid.care.mount
- Type of site:
- Public Park
- Borough:
- Waltham Forest
- Open to public?
- Yes
- Opening times:
- 9am - half hour before sunset
- Special conditions:
- no cycling, skateboarding
- Facilities:
- Children's play area
- Events:
- Public transport:
- Rail: Chingford; Highams Park then bus. Bus: 212, 444
- Research updated:
- 01/05/2020
- Last minor changes:
- 14/07/2022
Please check with the site owner or manager for latest news. www.walthamforest.gov.uk; www.pimphallpark.com
Full Site Description
At various times it was known as the manor of Gowers and Buckerells, or the manor of Pimps, after different tenants. The name Pimp originates from Reynold Pympe who was lord of the manor in 1500. In 1538 it was owned by Sir George Monoux, one-time Lord Mayor of London and a major benefactor in the area responsible for founding a school and almshouses in Walthamstow village, next to St Mary’s Church (q.v.). He sold the estate to the King who soon after Monoux's death sold it into private hands once again. The timber-framed Hall was probably built at the end of the C16th and it was used as a working farm until 1934 when it was bought by Chingford Council and the site divided between allotments, a council-run nursery, and this small park which was laid out in 1934 as a recreation ground. The old Hall and outbuildings were sited in the area which became the nursery, which has recently become Pimp Hall Nature Reserve (q.v.). Pimp Hall Park has little planting aside from trees along part of its perimeter, and it is predominantly an open grassed space but with fine views over Chingford.
The park is now jointly managed by the Friends of Pimp Hall and Nature Reserve alongside The Conservation Volunteers (TCV) and LB Waltham Forest. The play facilities were refurbished in 2015, with an Under 7s fenced play area and play equipment for older children that includes a large play frame and spinning net. In 2016 a wildflower meadow was planted near the boundary with the Nature Reserve.
Geological interest (London Foundations, 2010): Geomorphology. Hillock in the London Clay - fully grassed over but providing an excellent view of the surrounding area. Clay, silt, sand.(London Clay) gravel and till (Lowestoft Formation, Albion Glacigenic Group; Claygate Member)
Sources consulted:
Victoria County History of Essex, LB Waltham Forest Nature Reserve information board; Friends of Pimp Hall Park and Nature Reserve website
Further Information (Planning and Conservation)
- Grid ref:
- TQ390936 (538948,193670)
- Size in hectares:
- 2.85
- Site ownership:
- LB Waltham Forest
- Site management:
- Urbaser Ltd as part of the Street Care and Associated Services contract with LB Waltham Forest; Friends of Pimp Hall Park
- 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:
- No
- Nature Conservation Area:
- No
- Green Belt:
- No
- Metropolitan Open Land:
- No
- Special Policy Area:
- No
- Other LA designation:
- None
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.