Did you know that...
This KT8 area was inhabited since the Bronze Ages or even earlier. During the medieval ages, it was used for agriculture. In the 16th century, King Henry VIII used Bushy Park for deer hunting. King Charles I built the Longford River. This artificial waterway brought water to Hampton Court Road. Sir Christopher Wren designed the Diana fountain in the 17th century. Chestnut Sunday is an event that has been celebrated in the park starting with the 19th century until World War II. South West London residents would gather here to see the blossoming trees along Chestnut Avenue. The event was resumed in 1993.
Bushy House is a Grade II listed royal residence within Bushy Park. The original building dates from 1662. Its purpose was to house the current keeper of the park. In the 18th century, Charles Montagu, 1st Earl of Halifax bought the house and renovated it. After the death of his father, the newly appointed King William IV made his wife Queen consort Adelaide ranger so she could live in this house. Bushy House was her residence until her death. In 1902, King George V opened the National Physical Laboratory at this house. The building served as the King’s Canadian Hospital during World War I and later as a children’s camp.
The first Parkrun event took place in Bushy Park in 2008. The five-kilometer running event is now hosted every Sunday in multiple locations all around the world. This Grade I listed park is the second in size among the eight Royal Parks of London. The Bushy Gnat is a type of fly discovered by entomologist Peter Chandler in Waterhouse Woodland Gardens within Bushy Park. Hampton Court, Hampton Wick, Hampton, Fulwell, and Teddington are the nearest railway stations within 10-20 minutes walk. There’s a private gateway from Chestnut Avenue. Bushy Park bicycle access is available 24/7.