Boston Manor Park

51°29′28″N 0°19′12″W / 51.491°N 0.32°W / 51.491; -0.32Area11.36 hectares (28 acres)Created1924 (1924)Operated byLondon Borough of HounslowOpen8am-duskStatusOpen year roundWebsitehounslow.gov.uk

Boston Manor Park is a large public park in the London Borough of Hounslow. A combination of woodland and open space, with an area adjoining the Grand Union Canal, it was created in 1924 from part of the historic estate of the 17th-century stately home Boston Manor House.

History of the park

The Boston Manor estate is thought to date back to at least 1163 and had a series of influential owners. At one time, it was part of the estate of royal financier Thomas Gresham, who also owned neighbouring Osterley Park.^[1] The house that survives in the centre of the park dates from 1623. Just under a century later, the grounds were described as comprising: "gardens, walls, walks, courts, 5 fish ponds . . . Plantation and nursery computed to be 3 acres . . . Whole being well wooded and watered."^[1] In 1670, the estate was sold for just over £5,000 to the Clitherow family, and it remained in their ownership for the succeeding 250 years.^[1]

In the late 18th century, some land was sold to enable construction of the Grand Junction Canal (later to become a section of the Grand Union Canal), with Clitherow Lock – then the second lock from the Thames – being built on the estate.^[1] By the late 19th century, this part of London had become urbanised and increasingly shabby, but the estate remained a rural island – containing fine views, historic trees, roses and kitchen garden.^[1]

Estate dispersal and park opening

In 1918, Colonel Stacey Clitherow had decided to sell the Boston Manor estate. Estate agent's particulars described a property containing glasshouses for growing melons and cucumbers, grapevines, and a 200-yard herbaceous border. The house did not reach its reserve price so, in 1923, Colonel Clitherow sold the manor and fifty acres to Brentford Urban District Council.^[1] Some land was developed as housing and the park was opened to the public on 11 September 1924.^[1]

Park layout

Comprising an area of 11.36 hectares (28 acres) surrounding the manor house, the park is accessed from Boston Manor Road on the eastern perimeter.^[2] The construction of the M4 motorway in 1964-5 was the biggest alteration to the park landscape, dissecting the park from north-west to south-east perimeters.^[1] The Grand Union Canal and River Brent run along the western perimeter, the canal taking in what is now known as Clitheroes or Clitheroe's Lock 99.^[3][4]

Features of interest

The canalside is a designated Nature Conservation Area.^[1] Notable trees include fine old cedars, some of which may date back to 18th-century plantings by the Clitherow family.^[1] A large ornamental pond is to the north of the manor house and part of the original garden wall remains.^[1] Thames Rivers Trust has undertaken work at the stepped weir at the park to assist the migration of elver, installing an 'elver pass' in 2012.^[5]

Recent developments

Recent works to the park include the creation of a wildflower meadow in 2006 and the restoration of the walled garden. General upgrades have included replanting of shrubs, trees and herbaceous borders. The park first won a Green Flag Award in 2005.^[1]

Activities in the park

The park is under the overall management of London Borough of Hounslow and includes three tennis courts, a basketball court and children's play area.^[2] The manor house is open for tours and special events.^[6] The Brentford Festival was an annual event held in the park between 2005 and 2012, before moving to Blondin Park.^[7]

References

External links

• Friends of Boston Manor
• Canal & River Trust map