Crystal Palace Park

Visit to Crystal Palace Park - Saturday 8th August 2015

At the instigation of our treasurer Pam Robinson, a small but select group of Members assembled at the Crystal Palace Museum on Saturday 8th August.

After inspection of the extensive collection of memorabilia in the former Engineering School House, immediately adjacent to the old South Tower, we set off to explore and see what remains of this sorely neglected space, particularly since the devastating fire in 1936 which destroyed the "Palace".

With the aid of maps and local expert David Johnson’s help, after having a look at the entrance to the old High Level station, we then made our way down the hill, past the terraces, past the Sports Arena and swimming pool, finally finishing at what was once the Lower Reservoir, now the Dinosaur lake.

Click on an image below to see a larger version - you can then move forward or back using the arrows on either side.

The Crystal Palace High Level station, on a branch from Nunhead, was finally closed in 1954 and has been completely obliterated by a housing estate. However, an unusual vaulted walkway remains under Crystal Palace Parade (in the background) connecting the old station with the Park and its exit can still be seen.
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Arrivals could then exit in various directions as can be seen in this and the next two pictures.
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The western exit.
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The eastern exit.
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Whilst there are various in-situ remains plus heaps of stone and odd pipes around the park, very little remains of the actual Palace. However, a full size replica of two frames, identical to the hundreds used to construct the building were erected some years ago.
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A map of the park as it exists today.
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A view from where the Palace would have ended down to first terrace. Occasional statues and other remains can be seen.
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Looking towards the BBC transmitter near where the North Tower was located.
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The lower terrace complete with two sphinxes at the north end; there is one at the south end.
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The remains of the central avenue down the park now interupted by a statue of Joseph Paxton and the National Sports Centre.
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Sir Joseph Paxton. Understandbly, his bust faces away from the site of the Palace he designed.

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