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Norwood Grove is an area of approximately 14 hectares of public land in the London borough of Croydon, comprising parkland, gardens, woods, and rough common with some spectacular views over South London. The panorama shows the formal gardens and fountain in front of Norwood Mansion or the 'White House' as it is known locally.
Norwood Grove was part of the Great Streatham Common, and recorded in the Domesday Book as Lime Common. In 1635 part of the common was enclosed by the Duke of Portland to form an estate around a shooting box presented to him by King Charles II.
By the beginning of the century the growth of London and Croydon threatened Streatham Common and the surrounding countryside. In 1910 the estate came onto the market for development, and a committee was formed for its preservation by Mr Stenton Covington.
In 1924 Covington and his committee raised the cash necessary to purchase Norwood Grove and there was a grand opening by the then Prince of Wales in 1926.
Further information on the history of Norwood Grove can be found here.
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