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Bikenhead Park - Interesting Facts

Did you know?

  • The park influenced the design of many parks around the world including Central Park, New York.
  • The park is the world's first public park.
  • The park was designed by Sir Joseph Paxton who also designed the Crystal Palace at the Great Exhibition.
  • The park opened in 1847.
  • The rocks used during construction were excavated from land used to construct Birkenhead Docks.
  • Some of the labour for this construction were French P.O.W.'s.
  • There are five listed buildings and structures within the park boundary.
  • All the hills in the park are man-made.
  • The perimeter carriage drive is exactly two miles around.
  • The park attracts visits from all over the world.
  • The Eisteddfod stone commemorates the 1917, Eisteddfod the first time held outside Wales.
  • Balaclava Field named after the battle during the Crimean War, where the Charge of the Light Brigade took place.
  • There are eight acres of water in the park.
  • A spitfire crashed into the Lower Park during World War II, the engine still remains buried.
  • Sandy Irvine of Mallory and Irvine Everest fame lived in Birkenhead Park.
  • In 1853 two Russian cannons captured during Crimean War, they were sited at Cannon Hill.
  • In 1800 an oak tree was planted to commemorate the 300th anniversary of Shakespeare's birth - the tree remains.
  • 1903 Boothby ground purchased to form part of the park.
  • Palm House erected 1921 and demolished 1947.
  • In the 1940's the Upper Park was closed and used for allotments.
  • In 1942 the first incident of 'vandalism' was recorded.
  • In 1969 the parks last working horse retired.
  • In 1972 the first cycle race takes place.
  • In 1976 the Friends of Birkenhead Park were formed.
  • In 1993 New Birkenhead Park Cricket Club opens.
  • In 1997 Birkenhead Park celebrates its 150th anniversary.

 

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