Boleyn Ground

The Boleyn Ground, better known as Upton Park, was a football stadium in East London. It stood in the Upton Park area of Newham, surrounded by residential streets and local shops. The ground opened in 1904 when West Ham United moved in after merging with Old Castle Swifts. For over a century it served as the club’s home, hosting league matches, cup ties and memorable victories. Its name came from Green Street House, a large building once rented by the club, which locals called Boleyn Castle because of its size and a link to Anne Boleyn. The stadium grew through the 20th century, adding stands named after club legends. In 1993 the South Bank became the Bobby Moore Stand, holding 9,000 seats. The North Bank was rebuilt in 1995 as the Centenary Stand, later renamed after Sir Trevor Brooking. A decade later the West Stand became the Dr Martens Stand, with 15,000 seats and a club hotel. At its peak it seated 35,016 and saw West Ham win 601 home Premier League points. Visitors to Upton Park found a compact ground with steep terraces close to the pitch. The atmosphere was shaped by the tight corners and the famous East London crowd. The final match on 10 May 2016 ended 3–2 against Manchester United, with Diafra Sakho, Michail Antonio and Winston Reid scoring. After the game a 45-minute celebration recalled the ground’s history before demolition began. Today the site is being redeveloped into homes, shops and leisure space, with plans for a Bobby Moore garden and statue.