|
Built
on former marshes, the area encompassed by the park has over a thousand years of
history. It is believed Julius Caesar crossed the river here.
In 1671 Colonel Blood hid here with the intention of killing
Charles II and stealing the Crown Jewels.
The Duke of Wellington fought a duel here in 1829 with Lord
Winchilsea
.
By the 1840’s it had become notorious as a place of
lawlessness with gambling, drinking booths, fortune tellers and vendors of all
kind.
|
|
|
In 1846 an act was passed making it a Royal Park, landscaping
was finished in 1853 and by 1860 the lake was excavated.
For the 1951 Festival of Britain, gardens were laid out,
along with water fountains and a funfair, (which has now closed).
Today the park has something for everyone, a children's zoo,
running tracks, tennis courts, boating lake, fishing, cycling, jogging, gardens,
Buddhist Peace Pagoda and even a statue by Henry Moore.
Along with St. James park this is a particular favourite of
all the family.
A number of events are held here each
year including the Easter Day Parade.
|
