Greenwich Park

Greenwich Park is the oldest enclosed Royal Park. It covers 183 acres and includes the oldest deer park in London. The deer in the park were introduced by King Henry VIII and a small collection of deer still remain here today. 

The area itself has been a site of a settlement for thousands of years, however it wasn’t until 1433 that the Duke of Gloucester who had inherited the land, enclosed the park. A 12ft high brick wall was added by James I and much of this remains today.

In the grounds of the park lies the Queen Elizabeth Oak. Sadly, now on its side and behind railings, myth has it that King Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn danced here whilst he was courting her and Queen Elizabeth I herself picnicked under its huge branches. 

During the 1660’s King Charles II remodelled Greenwich Park. These original terraces are now almost lost, however the avenue of chestnut trees which we now know as Blackheath Avenue is now a prominent part of the park. It was also Charles who commissioned The Royal Observatory.

During WWII anti-aircraft guns were set up in the park to protect the line of the River Thames. Tops of the trees were cut to give the guns a better line of fire. If you walk through the flower garden today you can still see some of these funny shaped trees.

One of the most iconic elements of park must be the Greenwich Park Bandstand. This Grade II structure was built in 1891 and the area surrounding it is known as Bandstand Field.

Greenwich Park houses many other interesting objects. In the South West corner of the park you will find the remains of a bath belonging to the estranged wife of King George IV, Queen Caroline. She lived on the edge of the park between 1798-1813, leaving for Europe in 1814. After which her house was demolished, leaving only the outline of her bath. This was excavated in 2001 and can be seen today.

You can also find the sculpture, Standing Figure: Knife Edge by Henry Moore standing at the top of Greenwich Park.