| Boston Manor Park | |
| Photo Width: | 300 |
| Type: | public park |
| Location: | London, England |
| Coords: | 51.491°N -0.32°W |
| Area: | 11.36ha |
| Operator: | London Borough of Hounslow |
| Status: | Open year round |
| Open: | 8am-dusk |
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.
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]
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]
Comprising an area of 11.36ha 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]
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 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]
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]