[3] In 1914, the park was requisitioned for use by Colonel Patton-Bethnal and the 14th Rifle Bridage with the stipulation that the hallowed cricket pitch not be touched.

[4] The parks name changed during the 1930s after the nearby Southchurch Hall and it's gardens were gifted to the people of Southend by the Dowsett family.

The park is the home of the Eastern Counties Football League side Southend Manor F.C..[6] The first recorded cricket match on the ground was in 1906, when Essex County Cricket Club played their inaugural first-class match there, beating Leicestershire by five wickets.

[7] In addition, the ground has also hosted List-A matches, the first of which came in the 1977 John Player League and saw Essex play Middlesex.

From 1977 to 2004, the ground held 28 List-A matches, the last of which saw Essex play Northamptonshire in the 2004 totesport League.