History

The development of an oasis in suburbia

The white bridge over the River Wandle at Morden Hall Park, London © NTPL/NTPL

The famous white bridge

In the late 1700s Richard Garth and his family built Morden Hall and possibly laid out the garden and kitchen garden.

The development of an oasis in suburbia

Historic photograph of Mr Hatfeild with a group of children in Morden Hall Park, Londno © NT Morden Hall Park

Mr Hatfeild encouraged local children to enjoy the park

© NT Morden Hall Park

In 1867-1873 Gilliat Hatfeild senior bought surrounding land and created a deer park from agricultural fields. In 1921 Gilliat Edward Hatfeild (Hatfeild senior’s son) added the rose garden around Morden Cottage.

The development of an oasis in suburbia

Entrance to Morden Hall Park, London © NT Morden Hall Park

Our entrance sign nestles in pink roses

© NT Morden Hall Park

The estate was bequeathed to us in 1941 by Gilliat Edward Hatfeild. We appointed Henry and Son Ltd as managing agents for the estate, and some of the Hatfeild’s original staff continued to be employed. In 1980 the we took over the direct management of the park.

Morden Hall

Historic photograph of patients standing outside Morden Hall at Morden Hall Park, London © NT Morden Hall Park

Morden Hall, built in 1770, has seen a variety of uses from a family home to a boarding school for young gentlemen and even a military hospital during the First World War.

Snuff Mill and Waterwheel

Historic photograph of the Snuff Mill at Morden Hall Park, London © NT Morden Hall Park

The Snuff Mill is Grade II listed and is locally and regionally significant for its part in the industrial heritage of the river Wandle and is important for its survival as one of the once numerous mills along the river.

Morden Cottage

Morden Cottage of Morden Hall Park London during the summertime © NT Morden Hall Park

Morden Cottage dates from the 1750s. The cottage – rather than the Hall - was home to Gilliat Edward Hatfeild, who considered the smaller Morden Cottage better suited to a bachelor.

The estate

Historic photograph of deers grazing at Morden Hall Park, London © NT Morden Hall Park

The park, moat, bridges and avenues of trees were mostly created in the 1860s and 70s. The surrounding meadows are the remnants of fields that were last farmed in medieval times via ridge and furrow ploughing.

Kitchen garden

Historic photograph of the gardeners at Morden Hall Park, London © NT Morden Hall Park

The kitchen garden was laid out by Richard Garth in the late 1700s, surrounded by a 12-foot wall. This garden once employed 14 gardeners to tend to the many plants which enabled the estate to be almost self sufficient.Ad

Stable yard

Entrance to the stable block at Morden Hall Park, London © National Trust

The stable yard was built by Gilliat Hatfeild in about 1879 and was an important building in the park. Its use continued with Gilliat Edward Hatfeild who disliked modern transport too.