Information Board in Oaks Park

Image: © David Hillas Taken: 9 Jul 2021

This information board is in Oaks Park which is accessible from the A2022 (Croydon Lane) road, the postcode being SM7 3BA. It has the following wording: Welcome to the historic park and gardens of Oaks Park This was formerly part of a much larger estate of some 180 odd acres (see inset map below) and was the site of one of the great 18th century sporting houses in England. Upper left History It was here that the 12th Earl of Derby and his friends established two prestigious horse races: The Oaks and The Derby, which survives today. The Oaks was also the scene of a famous Fête Champêtre (a rural festival) in 1774 to celebrate the betrothal of the Earl to Lady Betty Hamilton. No expense was spared and was attended by the great and the good of Georgian society. After passing through several ownerships, the estate was acquired by Carshalton Urban District Council in 1933 and was developed as a public park and a golf course. By a deed of October 1945, the Urban District Council covenanted with Surrey and London Councils the use of the park and declared the land to be part of the London Green Belt around London. The house was demolished between 1956-60 leaving the Bakehouse and outbuildings, of which the Former Stables, Coach-house (8 on the map) and the Grotto (3), are grade II listed in recognition of their historical importance. In the upper south meadow is an outline of the house in chalk (7). There are also a number of interpretation boards to explain some of the historical monuments. The Design The framework of the park was created by the Earl of Derby in the manner of Capability Brown with a belt of trees around the perimeter and in carefully placed groups to create the perfect landscape. The avenue to the lower gate was created in the 19th century and there has been much infill planting. The park was devastated in the great storm of October 1987 with the loss of some 15,000 trees, but through replanting and natural regeneration the park remains a very attractive place. Lower left Small map of Oaks Park Walks There are a number of good walks in and around the park. These include: Oaks Park Nature Trail --- This is a two mile stroll through the formal gardens, meadowlands and woodlands of Oaks Park. The trail starts by the Persian Iron Tree (near the children's play area) and finishes by the Oaks Park Café. The Sutton Countryside Walk, a 5 mile circular walk, which starts and finishes in Oaks Park, and takes you via recognised footpaths through the nearby lavender field, through pasture land, woodlands and small holdings, providing excellent views of the countryside. Section 6 of the London Loop (from Coulsdon South Station to Banstead Downs), passes through the park. Leaflets on the Natural Trail and the Sutton Countryside Walk are available from the café. More information on the London Loop is available on the information board in the formal garden in the park. Upper right Large map of Oaks Park Lower right Key 1) Café 2) Formal Garden 3) Grotto 4) Car park 5) Bakehouse 6) Ha-ha 7) Site of 18th century house 8) Old stable block, artists' studios 9) Garage 10) Children's play area 11) South Lodge 12) Lavender Fields (Mayfield Lavender) 13) Oaks Farm (Now in private ownership) 14) Former walled garden (Now in private ownership) 15) Golf course (No access) 16) Camp site 17) North Lodge This information board is sponsored by the Friends of Oaks Park and funded by Carshalton and Clockhouse Local Committee

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