Walmer Road Kiln

The kiln is the last remnant of the Potteries. To the east lies the site of the Kensington Hippodrome, a racing emporium more extensive and attractive than Ascot or Epsom. Opened in 1837, it was short-lived. A public footpath ran through the site, and the impossibility of keeping out any ruffian or thief who may claim his ‘right of way’ on the footpath caused ‘The great annoyance experienced by the respectable company at the Hippodrome, from the ingress of blackguards who enter by the ‘right of way.

The heavy clay soil which was perfect for making bricks proved disastrous for racing and only 13 meetings were held.

The manager of the course was Capt Becher who went on to found the Grand National. The winner of the first steeplechase at the Hippodrome, Lottery, went on to win the first National.