The Ponds of Bushy Park

The ponds in Bushy Park, like the gates and the deer and the trees are amongst those wonderful features which help define the character of this great Royal Park. The notes about these parks are from a Friends of Bushy and Home Parks walk given by Dr Margaret Stedman.

Each blue marker locates a pond. Click on a marker to learn more about the pond.

View Bushy Park Ponds in a larger map

Diana Fountain

Diana statue commissioned by Charles I, and located first at Somerset House; then moved to Hampton Court Palace in 1656; and finally to Bushy Park in 1713, on a new pedestal in the basin pond thus completing Christopher Wren's design for The Great Avenue, now known as Chestnut Avenue. shrouded in camouflage netting during WW2. Due for major restoration in the last phase of the Lottery Heritage-funded Restoration Project.

Triss's Pond

Created by Joseph Fisher, park superintendent late 1940s to late 60s; named after daughter Triss

Fishers Pond

Created by Joseph Fisher just before his retirement; known as Fishers Pond

Waterhouse Pond

Initially dug in 1536 fed by nearby springs; in 1630s Charles I ordered construction of the Longford River fed from the Colne to augment the supply in the Waterhouse pond - effectively a reservois to feed fountains in Hampton Court Palace

River Lodge Pond

Dug early 90s

Water Gardens and Canal Plantation

Were created by Charles Montagu, Earl of Halifax to complement his house, now called Upper Lodge,It consisted of an upper pond fed from the Longford; in turn feeding a second pond over a cascade, outlet then fed back to the Longford. A third pond was in front of Upper Lodge. A fourth pond (now a marshy area), and a fifth, the Canal Plantation All five on an axis.

Hampton Hill Pond

Fed by a spring. Created by a World War II bomb?

Barton's Pond

Barton's Cottage was and is a Grace and Favour residence. It was originally surrounded by farm buildings (hence the origen of the pond), which were demolished in 1851.

Heron Pond and Leg of Mutton Pond

Dug in the Commonwealth Period when Oliver Cromwell was occupying Hampton Court Palace, to provide for the new pastime of fishing. Initially fed by springs, and later augmented by take-off from the Longford River. Bushy Park was sold into private ownership in 1654, but was bought back 2 years later on the instigation of Oliver Cromwell. So... Good on yer Ollie.

Boating Pool

Created after WW1 to provide employment. Small rowing boats and pedalos for hire before and after WW2. Stopped in 1970s because 'uneconomic'