Farnworth Park, Bolton

In 1860 Thomas Barnes announced his intention to lay out a portion of his Birch Hall estate as a park for the use of the people of Farnworth. Barnes appointed landscape gardener William Henderson of Birkenhead to design and lay out the grounds. Henderson did not complete his engagement at Farnworth and Robert Galloway was appointed to complete the park. Historic England’s listing text states that Robert Galloway was originally from Liverpool where he trained at Skirving's nurseries and had worked with Henderson at that time. In 1844 Galloway moved to Farnworth where he was gardener at Birch House and subsequently at Birch Hall. The park was officially opened by the Chancellor of the Exchequer, the Rt Hon William E Gladstone on 12 October 1864 with some 12,000 people in the procession. The Manchester Guardian described the park on the occassion:

The park, which is 12a. 3r.18.5p. in extent, occupies a position in the centre of a densely populated neighbourhood in the south-west part of the township. Though its immediate surroundings are rendered anything but picturesque by the close proximity of mills, houses, and manufactories, it possesses a commanding view of the distant landscape and, by good management and careful gardening, has been rendered an attractive piece of land. It is undulating, and the walks are so arranged as to give an impression that the park possesses a greater area than it actually has. On the lower side of it is a sheet of water about an acre in extent, in the centre of which stands a fountain of more than average merit. Some swans and waterfowl have already been placed upon the lake, and a number of young trees have been planted in commanding positions in the park. Advantage has also been taken of small brook called the Duckshaw stream, which runs through the park, and a rustic bridge, which spans it, adds greatly to that part of the landscape. The value of the plot is estimated at about £12,000. It was originally purchased by Mr. Barnes as a private speculation, but determining to present it for public use Mr. Barnes spent about £2,000 to prepare it for that purpose. With the exception of a very small portion, which is under lease, the whole of the land is freehold. [Manchester Guardian, 12 October 1864 page3]

Reference           Manchester Guardian 12 October 1864 page 3 - opening