Autumn in Walpole Park
When the architect Sir John Soane built his weekend retreat, Pitzhanger Manor, in what was then rural Ealing, his aim was to design a showcase for his own idiosyncratic architectural style with its stripped classical detail, radical colour schemes and inventive use of space and light. Here he would entertain some of the most influential people of the day, using the house to show potential clients what he could do for them.
To the rear he created an ornamental garden with a pretty pond surrounded by flowering shrubs, an old stone bridge and some beautiful cedars on the lawns next to the house. He designed the pond to look like a stream, and there he would fish with his friend William Turner, the artist.
Soane sold the house in 1810; it passed through a succession of owners until in 1843 it became home to the daughters of Spencer Perceval, Britain’s only assassinated Prime Minister. In 1899 it was sold by the then owner, Spencer Horatio Walpole (three times Home Secretary), to Ealing District Council for ยฃ40,000. Walpole stipulated that the last of the Perceval sisters, Frederika, should be allowed to remain there until her death. When she died in 1900 the house was extended to become a public library; at the same time Soane’s ornamental gardens and parkland became Walpole Park.
The park opened to the public in 1901 and is still a favourite green space for Ealingโs residents today. Weโre lucky to live close to the park; itโs our preferred route when walking to the shops and the first place we think of when we fancy a local stroll. During 2020, when walks closer to home became the norm during lockdown, we have spent more time than ever in the park.
Itโs an attractive spot at any time of year. Soaneโs pond is home to a variety of waterfowl; the paths are edged with shady trees, many of them large and quite old, but others newer (replacing those lost in the Great Storm of October 1987); thereโs a cafรฉ and thoughtfully designed childrenโs play areas. But I think itโs at its best in the autumn. Then the leaves turn red and orange and the grey squirrels are busy gathering supplies to see them through the winter. So come with me for an autumn walk through my neighbourhood park.
This post is my response to Sandy’s Friendly Friday Challenge, to share a neighbourhood walk.
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rosalieann37
I missed this on the first go-round. Is this where the Florida cypress is located?
Sarah Wilkie
Yes, it is – I should add that photo to the slideshow some time!
Tanja
great squirrel photos. The first time I came up close to a squirrel was in a park in London:)
Sarah Wilkie
Sorry Tanja, I missed getting a notification that you commented so I’m acknowledging it rather belatedly ๐ I enjoy watching our squirrels but in some ways these grey ones are considered pests, as they drove the native red squirrels out of most of the country – you can only see them in a few locations in the north now.
Forestwood
I do like that tree. A beautiful example of Autumn.
SandyL
I enjoyed your walk around the park. Based on pictures, it looks very similar to the scenes here in terms for trees and wildlife. Thanks for sharing your neighborhood sights!
Sarah Wilkie
Thanks Sandy – I enjoyed the theme and deciding what aspect of my neighbourhood to share ๐