They are a Brittish native plant and can be found in some meadows in England. A playing field in Durham sounds less likely. They are probably garden escapees and fortunate not to have been mowed down yet.

thanks for reply, i have lived near this playing field for 14 years and never have noticed them ,they are growing on the edge of the field ive had another look today and there are only the 2 plants , i keep thinking there is more to pop up, i will look again tomorrow..

They are not at all common in the wild. Staffordshire wildlife Trust went so far as to put cages over some in a local field. I would ask your Wildlife Trust if they know about them. It would be a shame if someone came and dug them up for their own garden, which is quite likely to happen.