The King George V Playing Field holds significant historical and cultural value, established as part of a national initiative to commemorate King George V after his death in 1936. Instead of traditional memorials like statues or plaques, this initiative created playing fields across the UK, providing green spaces dedicated to sport, recreation, and community use.
Between 1937 and the outbreak of World War II in 1939, 1,800 applications were received for the scheme, and 462 playing fields were approved by the King George’s Fields Foundation. These fields, including ours, purchased in 1951, are protected under Fields in Trust, ensuring they cannot be built on or repurposed.
The Heraldic Panels at The KGV entrances
Each scheme was to have an entrance to the field designed to provide a sufficiently dignified setting for the heraldic panels that distinguish a field as a ‘King George’s Field’. The width, material and size of entrances were governed by the size of the particular field, and by the size of community most likely to use it. [More detail at the end of this write up]
Lion & Unicorn Symbol
The panels prominently feature the lion passant guardant (a lion walking with one paw raised and looking toward the viewer) and a unicorn rampant (standing on its hind legs). They usually bear the following inscription: “A King George’s Field” “This field was given to the nation in memory of King George V.” Original panels were typically cast in bronze or metal, chosen for their durability and prestige.
These heraldic panels were issued as a gift by the foundation to all approved schemes, and became the official emblems of the national memorial. The heraldic panels on the gate from Vicarage Lane into the KGV appear to have been the original ones.
