- Sydenham Wells Park
Sydenham Wells Park is located on Wells Park Road in Upper
Sydenham in theLondon Borough of Lewisham in South EastLondon . The park derives its name from the medicinal springs, which were discovered there in 1640.In September 1675
John Evelyn wrote that he returned from a visit toDulwich 'by certaine medicinal Spa waters at a place called Sydnam Wells, in Lewisham parish, much frequented in summer'.King George III was amongst those visiting to take the waters which were reputed to taste bitter, due to the presence of
Magnesium Sulfate (Epsom Salts). This may have accounted for a decline in their popularity and the removal of the wells in the mid 19th century.By the end of the 19th century, due to concern that the site of the wells would be built upon, a local campaign group was formed and successfully lobbied to save the site. As a result, the
London County Council bought 7 hectares (18 acres) of Common Ground and created the park.About the Park
The Park is in Upper Sydenham with the bus routes 202 and 356 go out side the main entrance. The Park forms of a
Football /Basketball ground, twoTennis courts, a Small Lake a water playground, to playgrounds one at the top and one next to the water playground. Also with large amounts of Flower Beds, Trees, Bushes, Grass & Benches and toiltes are nere the water playground.The park was laid out with broad paths and ornamental plantations. In the south of the park, a system of lakes and streams was created, which was said to represent a miniature version of the
Rhine , as a mark of respect for the small German community which resided in the area at the time. The main lake was originally home to a large collection of exotic wildfowl, which has dwindled over the years to predominantlyCanada Geese , with someMallard andTufted Duck s,Moorhen s andCoot s. [Notice at the main lake] .The lakes and streams were renovated in the summer of 2000, along with pond and waterside planting.
See also
*
Sydenham
*Sydenham Hill
*London Borough of Lewisham References
* Noticeboard at the main lake
* [http://www.british-history.ac.uk/report.aspx?compid=45282 'Peckham and Dulwich', Old and New London: Volume 6 (1878), pp. 286-303.]
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