Documents relating to the Park date back to 1566 and was
originally part of the Upton House estate, before being acquired in
1762 by philanthropist Dr John Fothergill. Encouraged to build a
botanical garden, Dr Fothergill would often waive his fees and
accept payment in rare plants instead.
After Dr Fothergill's death, the Park passed into the
hands of the Gurney family. When the Gurney family wished to sell
the estate during the 1860s, local residents worked with the City
of London and the family to raise funds to purchase the site and
enable it to be preserved as open space.
West Ham Park was officially opened on 20 July 1874. The
ceremony was performed by the Lord Mayor of London and, as a band
played in the background, deeds of title were presented declaring
the Park “open public grounds and garden for adults, children and
youth” and that the City of London should maintain the Park forever
at its own expense.
This rich and diverse history has recently been recognised in
the park being listed as a Grade II site on the English Heritage
Register of Parks and Gardens of Specific Historic Interest in
England.
Download the English Heritage Register
entry (23kb)
West Ham Park is pleased to support the
London Parks Explorer project, which promotes
the importance of historic parks as an educational
resource.