Mayfield Park , Southampton, England

In 1854 Colonel Robert Wright bought 35 acres (14.16 hectares) of land from William Chamberlayne of Weston Grove Estate.  This area became Mayfield Park and included the obelisk (built by Chamberlayne in memory of Charles James Fox).

Mayfield House, with its stable block, walled kitchen garden and lodge, was built two years later, on the northern end of the park.  After Colonel Wright's death, his widow and son continued to live there until it was sold to the 3rd Baron Radstock in 1889. The Baron was a noted evangelist who travelled extensively, while making Mayfield his main home.  In 1913, the 4th Baron succeeded him and continued to live there until his death in 1937.  The house was used during World War One as an annexe for the Royal Victoria Hospital at Netley.  It was sold to Southampton Corporation in 1937.   

The 4th Earl's will states that the estate should be retained as a public open space, and the park was opened to the public in 1938. During World War Two the house was occupied by Free French soldiers after Dunkirk, and later housed evacuees from the Chapel area of the town, which led to severe deterioration of the fabric. 

The house was demolished in 1956 and the bowling green was built on the site in 1960.  The council continued to develop the gardens and adjoining playing fields.  In 1982 greenhouses were built in the walled kitchen garden, where bedding plants were grown for the City's gardens.  During the two great storms of 1987 and 1990 a large number of trees were lost, which have been gradually replaced.  Many mature trees survive and create a woodland setting to the south and east of the bowling green.  

The wall of the kitchen garden forms a backdrop for the herbaceous border.  The lawn, with island beds, fills the remaining area (where the orchards were) and is surrounded by mature trees.