Ox eye daisies in the Nature Conservation Area at Myatts Fields Park

Image: © Marathon Taken: 2 Jun 2012

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 bandstand (left of centre in the photograph) was erected in 1895, and on summer Sundays hosts a series of concerts by local bands. Located next to The Little Cat Cafe, this is a delightful spot. The park has recently been restored to its former glory by a substantial Heritage Lottery Fund grant. A Nature Conservation Area was created and the photograph shows one of the paths within it. The occasion for all the activity was the Queen's Diamond Jubilee weekend.

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