West Ham Park

West Ham Park is a privately owned public park in West Ham, part of the London Borough of Newham. It covers 77 acres, making it the largest park in the borough. The City of London Corporation has managed the park since 1874. The land was once part of the Upton House estate, later known as Ham House. Records from 1566 trace its history back to this estate. The park’s past includes notable owners like John Fothergill, who expanded the grounds to around 80 acres in the 18th century. He created a large botanical garden, described as second only to Kew. The estate passed through several hands, including Samuel Gurney, whose sister Elizabeth Fry once lived there. Ham House itself was demolished in 1872 before the land became a public space. Today, the park features ornamental gardens, children’s playgrounds, and sporting facilities. These include five-a-side football pitches, cricket nets, and tennis courts. Until 2016, a nursery at the park’s northeast corner produced over 200,000 bedding plants each year. These plants were used in the park, gardens, churchyards, and even for state occasions hosted by the City of London Corporation.