Bolton Park (Queens Park), Bolton :Landscape

Originally named Bolton Park, but re-named Queens Park in honour of Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee in 1897.  In 1864 William Henderson of Birkenhead prepared plans for the park and in November 1864 the first piece of land was purchased from the Ecclesiastical Commissioners Further land was obtained from a Miss Pilkington and from the estate of a Mr Tipping. The Park was formally opened on 24 May 1866 by The Earl of Bradford.  Established under the provisions of the Public Works Act, the park covered about 46 acres. Bolton Corporation spent approximately £20,000 on land purchase and anticipated a similar expenditure on its adornment. At the time of its opening the Guardian report noted that it was still in a very immature condition. However, a terrace about 400 yards long had been formed, running from east to west; and in the middle of this, facing a central walk, preparations were being made for the erection of a refreshment pavilion. Plans were also being made to convert a plot of land just beyond the river into a gymnasium with access from the park by a rustic bridge.