Springfield Park (London)

Springfield Park is a park in Upper Clapton in the London Borough of Hackney.

Spring Hill Recreation Ground, immediately to the north of the park, is an additional amenity. The Recreation Ground is also managed by the local authority and together they comprise a continuous public open space.

Springfield Park was formed in 1905 from the grounds of three private houses, one of which still survives as a cafe. It is a local nature reserve.

The park occupies 14.73 hectares (36.4 acres) and slopes from the high ground on the edge of Stamford Hill to the towpath of the River Lee Navigation on the River Lea. Situated on the other side of the river/navigation to the park is Springfield Marina, a large basin for narrow boats. The park is also adjacent to the Lea Rowing Club and Spring Hill Recreation Ground, which is used by Hackney Rugby Club. The higher ground of the park affords views over Walthamstow Marshes to Walthamstow and Epping Forest.

The Georgian era Springfield House stands near the main entrance to the park on a road known simply as Springfield. It was a private residence well before the surroundings were given over to housing in the mid-Victorian period. The park area remained intact as a private estate until 1902 when the house and land went up for sale. A group of local businessmen saved the park when it went up for auction and eventually the London County Council took over responsibility for the park and it opened to the public on 5 August 1905.

Roman sarcophagi were found during building and landscaping work in the nineteenth century at the park along with pottery and other burials. The Hackney Boat, being the remains of a late Saxon logboat were found close by in 1987. A replica is on display in Hackney Museum.

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