| Date | 4 March 2011 |
|---|---|
| Source | Slough Observer |
| Reference | VP-0125 |
| Volume | Views of the Past |
| Collection | Press Clippings |
Transcript
Rebirth of a grand park
This week we revisit Herschel Park in Slough, which has recently undergone a remarkable transformation from a rather neglected park to one which has been restored to its former Victorian splendour.
Slough Borough Council secured £2.7 million from the Heritage Lottery Fund to finance this successful restoration project, now in its final stages.
The park was formed from land purchased by Windsor entrepreneur James Thomas Bedborough, in the early 1840s. Its design shows the influence of Joseph Paxton, creator of the Crystal Palace.
The beautiful houses of Upton Park (originally known as Victoria Terrace), built by architect Benjamin Baud, once had direct views onto the park and to Windsor Castle. Sadly these are now obscured by the more recent Bulstrode Court development which, ironically, will benefit greatly from views of the newly restored park.
The centrepiece of Herschel Park is an irregularly shaped lake, bisected by a bridge now restored and refaced with Bath stone. In 2000, the lake dried up due to a change in the water table, and the initial reason for the park’s restoration was to replenish the water in the lake. The project has been backed by local residents who formed a group, Friends of Herschel Park, to support Slough Borough Council in its bid. Since the Friends’ inception, Slough Borough Council has sought their approval for the plans.
A recent archaeological survey highlighted the existence of buried paths and flowerbeds from the park’s original layout. Also showing on old maps, these have been reinstated to restore its original appearance.
Historic engravings of the park from the 1840s illustrate a number of ornamental features. These included both metal and stone urns, fountains and a sundial. To reflect this Victorian ornamentation, several 19th-century style urns have been acquired for the park, to enhance the planting or act as focal points.
In partnership with the National Foundation for Educational Research at The Mere, the old motor carriage house for that adjacent property has been converted from NFER’s print room to a new education centre. This will tell the story of the history of Herschel Park and the ‘Upton Park Estate’. During the carriage house’s restoration, its beautiful purlin roof has been revealed, as well as a decorated cast iron fireplace dating to about 1903.
Herschel Park will be officially opened to the public on May 22, when celebrations with a Victorian theme are planned. There are opportunities for members of the public to volunteer their help with conservation and clearing of the park, by contacting the Park’s management officer, Tony Down, on 01753 875209.
■ ORIGINAL: Herschel Park as it was in Victorian times – c.1850(Bottom Left Photo)
■ MAKEOVER: Restoring the bridge with Bath stone; right, a Victorian-style urn arrives.(Top Right Photo)
Images
