Take a trip back in time to Old Park in Essex
Step into Old Park in Essex and you sense you are entering an historic setting.
Owned by the Woodland Trust since 1992, this 134-acre site forms part of Thorndon Country Park. With origins that can be traced back to 1412, the 600-acre Thorndon estate is classified as a Grade II* Historic Park. Of particular interest is its ancient deer park which has changed little since the 16th century.
Figures from the past
As you walk the winding pathways of Old Park it’s easy to imagine the great figures from the past who would have gazed across this landscape.
For example, there was the 8th Lord Petre, owner of Thorndon Park in the early 18th century. A keen botanist, he set up hothouses to grow such novelties as limes, bananas, guavas, papayas and passion fruit. He also planted more than 60,000 exotic tree species from North America.
Then there was the landscape architect, Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown, who between 1772 and 1776 was paid £5,000 by the 9th Lord Petre to soften the formality of the 8th Lord’s design. Under his direction, a menagerie was established, extensive lawns were laid and canals were built to supply a series of ponds.
Historic parkland traditions
Since buying Old Park in 1992, the Woodland Trust has planted around 25,000 trees and shrubs at the site working to a design that reflects its historic parkland traditions.
Today Old Park has become a scenic refuge from the hustle and bustle of 21st century life. It offers visitors a range of leisure options from dog walking, jogging and cycling to horse riding and orienteering, as well as a gift shop and café. It’s come a long way in 600 years and today Old Park is well worth a visit. You can reach it by:
- rail – Brentwood Station is about 2 miles away
- bus – take the 152 from Brentwood Town Centre to the Halfway House
- car – the site can be reached by the A128.
