| Date | 20 January 2012 |
|---|---|
| Source | Slough Observer |
| Reference | VP-0012 |
| Volume | Views of the Past |
| Collection | Views of the Past |
Transcript
‘Lost’ plaques found at last
Views of the past by Elias Kupfermann
TODAY, Alexandra Gardens in Windsor are dominated by seasonal attractions such as the ‘Royal Windsor observation wheel or the winter ice skating rink. When the park opened in 1902, however, it was far more sedate and provided a much-needed recreational space for Edwardian Windsorians.
The Alexandra Gardens were opened on Tuesday, July 15, 1902, by Princess Christian, Queen Victoria’s daughter. They were opened in celebration of King Edward VII’s wife Alexandra becoming Queen Consort in 1902.
When Princess Christian arrived at the park, she was met by the Mayor of Windsor, Cllr Alex William Shipley, and then inspected a Guard of Honour of Firemen and young Sea Cadets.
To celebrate the opening of the park, plaques were fixed to the entrances, as can be seen in the postcard of the park in 1904 (above). The plaques disappeared, possibly during WW2, and are thought to be lost.
A plane tree was planted in August 1902 to celebrate the Coronation of Edward VII and Queen Alexandra, and a plaque recording this still remains on the tree.
In 1905 the park was extended from land given by Windsor MP Sir Francis Tress Barry, who owned land adjacent to the River Thames. Shortly after the park was extended, a bandstand was added to the north-east corner and the Band of the Royal Horse Guards entertained Edwardian visitors on Wednesday afternoons. The bandstand disappeared from the park in the 1950s.
In recent months, an interesting piece of news has come to light. In November, the council received a phone call from a gentleman who had discovered the original dedication plaques for Alexandra Gardens in a garden shed.
In December, the plaques were put back on the entrance gates to the park. They record the opening of the Park by Princess Christian in 1902 together with a plaque listing the members of the council present.
The plaques are a very welcome addition to this important Windsor park.
Further photographs of the opening of the park by Princess Christian can be seen online by visiting the Royal Windsor Website.
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