Eastfield Park

This vast open space provides a pastoral retreat for the two housing estates of Eastfield and Lakeview, which lie on either side.  The park itself is situated along Booth Lane, which joins the main Kettering and Wellingborough Roads and was one of the last parks to be developed by the former Estates department.

Although the park appears to be one large estate, it was actually composed of two.  One was the property of the Manfield family who lived at Weston House, now The Manfield Orthopaedic Hospital, and the other belonged to the Ray family who lived at Eastfield House, which was built next to Weston House in 1924.

The larger portion of the grounds were owned by the Ray family.  Major Ray, a former Mayor of Northampton, had a man-made lake which he used for boating, at the side of the lake was a Summer House which also doubled as The Boathouse. 

The lake was fed from smaller lakes known as the Lily Ponds and at the height of the summmer these were covered with a mass of fragrant flowers.  Besides being picturesque, these smaller lakes served a dual purpose as breeding pools for fish to keep the main lake well stocked.

These ornamental areas were protected from the rest of the land, which was used for grazing, by a Ha-Ha, remains of which can still be seen between the park and Manfield Hospital.  During the summer the Manfields and the Rays held garden parties which were very popular, attracting large crowds.

It was not until 1952 that the land was taken over by the Corporation.  By that time the site was overgrown and had reverted to a wild state.  The Summerhouse had fallen into decay and had become dangerous. The lily pond was choked with weed and the once beautiful ornamental area was a wilderness.  The Estates department fenced off the area and leased the rest of the land for grazing rights.

As time progressed more and more of the park was opened to the public.  The dangerous buildings were removed and the now desecrated lily ponds were filled in.

Eastfield Park sport facilities comprise of 2 senior football pitches and events include multi-games and community safety days.

Last reviewed 20/03/2009