Bishops Park book published
Wednesday September 28, 2011
A book that chronicles the history of Bishops Park has been published by the local Friends Group.
Written by author Sally Miller, the book, entitled ‘A History of Bishops Park’ contains 100 historic pictures and maps together with contemporary photos by the well-known photographer Angelo Hornak.
The Friends of Bishops Park also commissioned Robert Wilkinson of the Oral History Society to record interviews with a number of local residents and the Bishop of London has written a foreword.
Roger Weston, Vice Chairman on the Friends of Bishops Park, said: “I have been living close to the park since 1975 and I am very excited by the restoration scheme that is taking place and look forward to its completion. We believe this book is a thoroughly well researched study, an interesting read, and will be an attractive record of the park’s history, and of the park today.”
The Bishops Park restoration plans centre around the creation of an urban beach. In Edwardian times, families from across the capital descended on 'Margate Sands' in Bishops Park every summer. During the Second World War the venue fell into disrepair and by 1949 it was considered such a safety hazard it was closed.
As well as the urban beach, the ornamental lake is also being restored, three major play areas are being created and the Park's café refurbished.
At the adjoining Fulham Palace, the longest Medieval moat in England has being excavated. The council is also restoring the moat bridge, Gothic Lodge, the vinery and potting sheds. The stables are being converted into a new education facility, with new toilets and a shop built.
Cllr Greg Smith, Cabinet Member for Residents’ Services has donated £50 towards the book and said: “I am sure that this book is a very interesting account of the history on the magnificent Bishops Park and I look forward to reading it. Both Bishops Park and the adjoining Fulham Palace grounds are of huge historic importance to the borough and these exciting improvements will see them reaffirmed as jewels in the Hammersmith & Fulham crown.”
The entire project is costing £8 million, with £3.65million awarded by the Heritage Lottery Fund.
The book is now on sale at a cost of £14.95, with free delivery for residents of Hammersmith & Fulham, Wandsworth and Richmond. There is a £3.95 delivery charge for people living outside of those three boroughs. Cheques should be made payable to the Friends of Bishops Park and sent to 54 Langthorne St, London, SW6 6JY. Profits from the sale of the book will go toward the Friends’ work.
