Introduction
Alexandra Park, Penarth is a well-preserved Edwardian urban public park. It is in an attractive location overlooking the Bristol Channel, retaining its layout and many of its original features.
Alexandra Park is a well-preserved Edwardian public park in an attractive location overlooking the Bristol Channel, retaining many of its original features.
The park was laid out in 1901-1902 and was extremely popular from the beginning. In 1924, the Cenotaph, by Cardiff-born sculptor and medallist Sir William Goscombe John, was erected in memory of those who lost their lives in the First World War. Also in this decade, the Garden of Remembrance and topiary work were added.
The original octagonal bandstand was removed in the 1950s and a square wooden shelter survived until 1994, when it was replaced with the present structure.
Some of the seating, the park gates and boundary fencing are original. The initial intention was to make the planting of botanical interest but this was not achieved and planting was sparse at first. Many of the conifers, such as the pines (pinus nigra), Lawson cypress (chamaecyparis lawsoniana) and Monterey cypress were planted just before or after the First World War.
- Visitor Access, Directions & Contacts
Telephone
0161 234 4343Access contact details
This is a municipal park for general public use.
Owners
The Vale of Glamorgan Council
Civic Offices, Holton Road, Barry, CF63 4RU
- History
In 1924, the Cenotaph, by Cardiff-born sculptor and medallist Sir William Goscombe John, was erected in memory of those who lost their lives in the First World War. Also in this decade, the Garden of Remembrance and topiary work were added.
Period
- 20th Century (1901 to 1932)
- Early 20th Century (1901 to 1932)
- Features & Designations
Designations
Conservation Area
- Reference: Penarth
CADW Register of Landscapes Parks and Gardens of Special Historic Interest in Wales
- Reference: PGW(Gm)37(GLA)
- Grade: II*
Features
- Cenotaph
- Description: Stepped obelisk of white granite.
- Earliest Date:
- Latest Date:
- Planting
- Description: Garden of Remembrance.
- Earliest Date:
- Latest Date:
- Bandstand
- Earliest Date:
- Latest Date:
- Aviary
- Earliest Date:
- Latest Date:
- Garden Terrace
- Key Information
Type
Park
Purpose
Recreational/sport
Principal Building
Parks, Gardens And Urban Spaces
Period
20th Century (1901 to 1932)
Survival
Extant
Hectares
3
Open to the public
Yes
Civil Parish
Penarth
- References
References
- CADW, {Register of Landscapes, Parks and Gardens of Special Historic Interest in Wales: Glamorgan} (Cardiff: CADW, 2000) 264 Register of Landscapes, Parks and Gardens of Special Historic Interest in Wales: Glamorgan
- Newman, J., {The Buildings of Wales: Glamorgan} (London: Penguin, 1995) 494 The Buildings of Wales: Glamorgan
- {Plan of Lord Plymouth's Estates in Penarth, Llandough, Cogan and Lavernock, 1768} (1768) Plan of Lord Plymouth's Estates in Penarth, Llandough, Cogan and Lavernock, 1768
- Mate, W. and Sons, {Mate's Illustrated Penarth} (1903) Mate's Illustrated Penarth
- Thomas, B.A., {Penarth : the garden by the sea} (Machynlleth : Barry A. Thomas, 1997) Penarth : the garden by the sea