Battersea Park

Battersea Park is a large green space beside the River Thames in south-west London. It covers 83 hectares of former marshland and market gardens, opened in 1858. The park sits opposite Chelsea on the south bank and is listed Grade II* for its historic design. Paths run along the river and through tree-lined avenues planted by its first designer. Victorian towers and modern gardens mark the park’s long history. The park has witnessed important moments in sport and culture. In 1864 it hosted the first football match played under Football Association rules. Wanderers F.C., the team that won the first FA Cup in 1872, played here. A war memorial by Eric Kennington remembers over ten thousand men from the 24th Division. In 1978 a punk concert featuring The Stranglers drew large crowds and police attention. Today visitors find a children’s zoo, a boating lake and a bandstand. Pump House Gallery stands in the centre, a four-storey Victorian tower. The London Peace Pagoda and a replica of the Brown Dog statue can be seen near the Old English Garden. Cricket and hockey clubs use the pitches, and the Dog Walk of Fame honours local pets.