We proudly manage the Memorial Recreation Ground
In partnership with the London Borough of Newham
Just an 8-minute walk from the West Ham station, the Memorial Ground is not just a sporting venue—it’s a site of rich historical significance. Originally home to Thames Ironworks FC—which later became West Ham United FC—the park has played a vital role in East London’s sporting legacy for over a century. We ensure that this historic site remains a hub for sports, recreation, and community engagement.
Memorial Park History Timeline
Foundation of Thames Ironworks FC
Thames Ironworks FC was founded in 1895 by workers at the Thames Ironworks & Shipbuilding Company Limited. Company owner Arnold Hills soon announced the purchase of a large plot of land in West Ham to create a sports complex—the Memorial Grounds.
To support the facility and local industry, railway sidings and a railway shed were constructed on-site. These would later become the foundations for what are now rugby pitches 2 and 3.
Opening of the Memorial Grounds
On Jubilee Day, 22 June 1897, the Memorial Grounds officially opened, named in honour of Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee. With a £20,000 investment, the complex featured a football pitch, a cycle track, a running track, and even an outdoor swimming pool—setting a new standard for multi-purpose sports venues.
Rail Access Introduced
The London, Tilbury and Southend Railway constructed West Ham Station in 1898 specifically to serve the Memorial Grounds, making it one of the few sports venues with dedicated rail access at the time.
The West Ham United Era
In 1900, Thames Ironworks FC reformed as West Ham United. The Hammers continued to play at the Memorial Grounds until 1904.
During this period, a roadway from Holland Road was built through the current clubhouse site to connect with the railway shed. At the same time, terraced housing began to emerge around the area, and Wallace Road connected Memorial Avenue with Durban Road—until it was later destroyed in World War II.
Post-West Ham Period and London Welsh RFC
Following West Ham United’s move to the Boleyn Ground in 1904, London Welsh RFC took over the Memorial Grounds and remained until the outbreak of World War I in 1914. This marked the start of Memorial Park’s long-standing dual identity as both a football and rugby venue.
The Memorial Park Masterplan
A comprehensive plan of Memorial Park, created in 1916, documented its detailed layout and infrastructure. Key features included:
Memorial Avenue: A grand ceremonial approach to the pitch and grandstand
Disused reservoir near the cemetery
Gatehouse structure (possibly linked to railway works) at today’s car park entrance
The construction of the ‘Greenway’ sewer bank
Allotments located at the park’s southern end
A full grandstand and formalised sporting layout, already positioning Memorial Park as a premier East London sports venue
World War II – Memorial Park Under Attack
Due to its railway infrastructure, Memorial Park was a strategic target for German bombing raids during the Blitz.
Wallace Road was destroyed by bombing
Railway and surrounding infrastructure were severely damaged
Numerous unexploded bombs (UXBs) were left across the park
Despite the devastation, Memorial Park continued to serve the local community wherever possible.
Post-War Recovery
After the war, the park underwent an extended period of UXB clearance and infrastructure restoration. Slowly but surely, its sports facilities returned to full use. Memorial Park re-established itself as a key recreational hub for East Ham, with renewed purpose and expanded community involvement.
Modern Rugby Era Begins
In 1980, East London RFC moved from Langdon School to a new clubhouse built by its members, with the support of the London Borough of Newham. This move marked a significant new chapter in Memorial Park’s sporting life. The facility was enhanced and became home to multiple rugby clubs, with East London RFC as the anchor tenant.
New Facilities, Lasting Legacy
A state-of-the-art 3G Astro pitch was installed with funding from The Football Foundation and opened by Sir Trevor Brooking. Arthur Hills, a key figure in the park's evolution, sold the Memorial Grounds to Newham Council for a nominal fee, ensuring that the land continued to serve community sporting purposes.
Memorial Park Today
Modern Era
Today, Memorial Park is a vibrant, inclusive sporting hub managed by East London Community Sports Association (ELCSA), on behalf of the London Borough of Newham.
Archaeological & Historical Legacy
The outlines of the 1916 cycle and running track remain visible in aerial photography
The Greenway sewer bank continues to stand as a feat of early 20th-century engineering
Rugby pitches 2 and 3 were built directly over the original railway sidings
Memorial Park's wartime history is carefully considered in all planning decisions. Any new construction (excluding the existing clubhouse) requires thorough UXB record checks as part of the safety protocols.
This memorial sculpture to commemorate the Ironworks and the victims of the launch of the HMS Albion At its launch in 1898 into Bow Creek, 38 people died as the tidal wave created by the launch.
125+ Years of Sporting Continuity
From Thames Ironworks FC in 1897, to West Ham United, London Welsh RFC, and now East London RFC and its sporting partners, Memorial Park has hosted more than a century of continuous sport. It remains one of the most historically significant sporting venues in East London, with a lasting connection to West Ham United’s origins and a proud role in the local community’s present and future.
Every penny we raise is reinvested into the park—whether it’s maintaining our sports pitches, supporting local clubs, or hosting community events that bring people together. Whether you're here to play, learn, or simply connect with others, we invite you to be a part of Memorial Park’s past, present, and future.