History

Cottenham Park is named after Charles Pepys (pronounced Pep-ys not Peeps) the first Earl of Cottenham who lived in West Wimbledon for just 20 years
(1831 – 1851) yet he had a major effect on our railways and left his name to the area.

Charles Christopher Pepys 1781-1851

In 1831 the year he became an MP he bought a large country retreat of 250 acres where he and his family (15 children) could live in peace. This was Prospect Place just off Copse Hill.

After his death in 1851 a major transformation took place. His widow and children were no longer keen to live in the country and promptly put the estate on the market. No one buyer wanted it and it was divided up by developers.

Development accelerated once trams began to serve the area in 1907.

The recreation ground opened in 1897 as Melbury Gardens and was the first such amenity to be provided in the locality. A map of 1920 shows the recreation ground laid out much as it is today.

South Path and Young Plane Trees

The Old Bowling Green with the Great Oak

The now named Cottenham Park is 3.21 hectares and is sited within the Raynes Park ward. Amenities include a pavilion, tennis courts a cricket pitch and a children’s play area. The park retains a number of mature trees and the majestic oak tree close to the main entrance on Melbury Gardens is thought to be around 250 years old.

The Great Oak Today