Pymmes Park

History

The area known as Pymmes Park dates back to 1327 when William Pymme built a mansion here. Prior to 1578 the estate changed hands several times until Thomas Wilson a statesman bought the estate in 1579. In 1582 William Cecil, 1st Baron Burghley, Lord High Treasurer, purchased the estate which remained in the family until 1801. The Ray family owned the estate from 1808 to 1899. The estate was then purchased by the local council to provide public open space following an increase in the local population. The park was opened to the public in 1906.

Gardens

The park contains a Victorian walled garden, bounded on three sides by Grade II listed walls, containing an ornamental pond, herbaceous borders and bedding plants. Access is on request to a member of the Parks staff.

Recent history

In recent years, the park has undergone major changes due mainly to the widening of the North Circular Road in the 1990s. An application to the Heritage Lottery Fund was successful and £2.8 million was granted for the restoration of the Victorian Parkland in a scheme known as the Pymmes Park restoration project.

Pymmes Park lake has suffered from severe pollution for many years. In 2014, the London Borough of Enfield announced plans to create a wetland covering 4,000 square metres (43,000 sq ft) to improve the quality of the water entering the lake.

Recreation

Facilities include a bowls club, tennis courts. multi-use games area, football pitches, children's playground, lake and ornamental pond. The Pymmes Brook Trail follows the approximate course of Pymmes Brook which flows through the park. Since 2011, a Parkrun, a 5 kilometres (3.1 mi) run/race for people of all standards, has taken place every Saturday, starting at 9.00am.

Public transport

Silver Street railway station

Buses

34 102 144 149 192 259 279 349 444