Loakes Park

Wycombe Wanderers moved to Loakes Park in 1895 after their previous ground, Spring Meadow, became unavailable for football. The first match at the new ground was played on 7 September 1895 against Park Grove. The ground was developed in stages during the early 20th century, with major improvements in 1904, 1923 and 1932. One of its most distinctive features was the pronounced slope across the pitch, falling approximately 11 feet (3.4 m) from one side to the other. In the early 1970s, Wycombe General Hospital announced plans to expand onto land occupied by the ground. A compulsory purchase order was later issued, requiring the club to seek a new site. Several proposed locations within High Wycombe were rejected before approval was granted for a site at Hillbottom Road in the Sands area. Construction of the new stadium began in 1989, and Wycombe Wanderers moved to Adams Park the following year. ==Facilities==

Loakes Park featured a wooden main stand on the south side of the ground, seating around 1,000 spectators. Opposite stood a covered terrace known informally as the “Cowshed”, while both ends of the ground consisted of open terracing with crowd barriers. The sloping pitch was the ground’s most recognisable characteristic. ==Notable matches==

The record attendance at Loakes Park was 15,850, set on 25 February 1950 during an FA Amateur Cup Fourth Round tie in which Wycombe Wanderers defeated St Albans City 4–1. A notable FA Cup match took place on 4 January 1975, when non‑league Wycombe Wanderers held First Division Middlesbrough to a 0–0 draw in the Third Round. ==Closure and redevelopment==

Loakes Park closed in 1990 and was demolished the following year. The site was later redeveloped to provide additional parking for Wycombe General Hospital and new residential housing. The original entrance gates were transferred to Adams Park. ==References==