History of Dundonald Park
'Dundonald Rec' has been a recreation ground or park for more than 100 years (see map below). The area was developed from the 1880s onwards, forty years after the opening of the London and South Western Railway which is the northern boundary of Dundonald Ward. Like many streets and areas of Wimbledon, the name Dundonald could have a naval connection. The park and Cochrane Rd could be name after Admiral Lord Thomas Cochrane, 10th Earl of Dundonald who lived from 1775 to 1860. He had a spectacular and colourful naval career, including commanding the Chilean, Brazilian and Greek Navies and is buried in Wesminster Abbey. He missed the Battle of Trafalgar because he was in prison for fraud.
Dundonald Park during the war
During the last war, Dundonald Rec was handed over to local residents to use as allotments with very little space left for sports or play. There were also several bomb shelters situated around the park.
During the last war, Dundonald Rec was handed over to local residents to use as allotments with very little space left for sports or play. There were also several bomb shelters situated around the park.