Parks and Gardens UK

Summary

Site is open to the public. Opening may be limited, please check Visitor Information for any restrictions.

Brief description of site

Western Park is bounded by New Parks Way, Glenfield Road, Western Park Road, Hinckley Road and Park View. It is the largest park in Leicester. The main drive features a wide avenue of trees, which were planted for the inaugural opening in 1899. The park is a blend of meadow areas, mature woods and hedgerows, interspersed with established with established shrub and wooded areas, creating an ecological environment where wildlife abounds. Visitor facilities are all easily accessible from the main drive.

Brief history of site

Leicester Corporation purchased land from the Trustees of Sir John Mellor, an important landowner to create a park for the people of the West End of Leicester

Location information:

Address: Hinckley Road

Locality: Leicester, Leicestershire

Local Authorities:

Leicester; New Parks

OS Landranger Map Sheet Number:	140	Grid Ref:	SK557045
Latitude:	52.6354	Longitude:	-1.178392

Directions:

The main entrance to Western Park is situated on the A47, Hinckley Road, approximately 3 miles west of Leicester City Centre Buses from the City Centre pass by the entrance gates.

Key information:

Form of site: public park

Current use of site: public park

Context or principal building: domestic / residential

Site Style : informal

Site first created: 1899

Main period of development: Late 19th century

Survival: Extant

Site Size (Hectares): 72

Description

Owner: Leicester City Council

New Walk Centre, Welford Place, Leicester

Principal building:

House: Created 1800 to 1820

Western Park Pavilion: Early 19th Century farmhouse. Stuccoed front. Slate hipped roof. Two storeys. Three windows. Restored sashes with gothic glazing bars. Centre first floor iron balcony with interesting pattern. Wide central doorway below, panelled double doors, rectangular fanlight with glazing bars. Brick at rear. In 1899, when the park opened, the farmhouse was converted to house Headley's Tea Rooms. In 2003, it was leased out by Leicester City Council and is now a private residence.

Designation status: English Heritage Listed Building Grade II Reference 188841

Environment

Terrain: 70 metres above sea level at the main entrance, its lowest point, it undulates and rises gently to 90 metres, where it forms a substantial plateau.

Underlying geology: Keuper sandstone with Red Marl to the East and Boulder Clay to the West

Visitor facilities

Opening contact details:

Open daily. Tel: 0116-254-8540http://www.leicester.gov.uk/parks

Visitor information:

Car parking along main drive and turning circle next to the main play area. Toilets and cafe in Eco House. Sports facilities including tennis courts, bowling greens, football and cricket areas. Children's play areas. Tarmac paths throughout the park.

External web site link: http://www.leicester.gov.uk/your-council--services/lc/parks--green-spaces/main-parks/western-park

History

Site history events

1089: The Park was part of Leicester Forest and was mentioned in the Domesday book of 1089. It was an important game reserve for the Earls of Leicester. The forest was an essential source of timber for the inhabitants of Leicester both to build houses and business premises, as well as a source of fuel. An oak tree, affectionately known as ‘Old Major’ dates from this period.

1500 to 1533: The forest was depleted of trees and the land enclosed.

1868 to 1899: Leicester Corporation purchased the land for £30,000 from the Trustees of Sir John Mellor, an important landowner in New Parks and Westcotes. This was to create a park for the people of the West End of Leicester

1899: The Park was opened as a public open space