Victoria Park, Stafford

Plans were drawn up by William Blackshaw, Borough Engineer, in 1903 for 10 acres of pleasure grounds adjacent to the River Sow.

There was to be '1 1/2 miles of promenading paths with 12 shelters and 33 seats at frequent intervals, band stand, boating establishment with landing stage, covered boat shed having dressing room and lavatory in connections therewith... a good assortment and arrangement of athletic appliances: one swing frame for boys, one swing frame for girls, one giant slide, one set of parallel bars and six seats... also a stong and lofty flagpole for use on holidays and gala days'.

The park was laid out by T Dobbs and Co. of Wolverhampton, and opened in June 1908. However, as the Mayor and the Earls of Shrewsbury, Dartmouty and Lichfield all declined to officiate, there was no formal opening ceremony.

A further two acres on the opposite side of the river were laid out in 1911, linked by the Coronation Bridge which was opened by the Mayor on 25th August 1911. In the 1970s, a programme of tree-felling, earth movements, and excavations in the river was undertaken, with the aim of reducing the risk of flooding. This necessarily altered the park's original layout.

Type

Park

Purpose

Recreational/sport

Principal Building

Recreational

Period

Early 20th Century (1901-1932)

Survival

Extant

Hectares

4.1

Open to the public

Yes