The Roundhouse, Myatts Fields Park

Image: © Marathon Taken: 28 Aug 2011

Myatts Fields Park is a delightful example of a small Victorian park. In the early 19th century, market gardens here were run by the Myatt family; some of the finest strawberries in London were grown by Joseph Myatt, and at that time his name was known all over London. The surrounding Minet Estate was built up from the 1870s onwards and the Minet family provided a number of amenities, including the Minet Library and gave the site for Myatts Fields. The Minets were originally French Huguenots and the name Minet means little cat or kitten in French. A little cat was included in many of the buildings when the area was developed by the Minet family. Funds for laying out Myatts Fields were raised by the Metropolitan Public Gardens Association, and the park was opened in 1889, taking its name from the earlier market gardeners. The Roundhouse was erected in 1897 and had several different titles over the years - summerhouse, shelter, roundhouse - partly because of some confusion over its precise purpose. Refreshments were served from it starting in 1899, and until recently it served as a shelter. Thanks to Heritage Lottery Fund and Big Lottery funding, the Roundhouse was completely refurbished in 2008. The park itself has also recently been restored to its former glory by a substantial Heritage Lottery Fund grant.

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