Accrington, Oak Hill Park 1899
Photo ref: 43507
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Photo ref: 43507
Photo of Accrington, Oak Hill Park 1899

More about this scene

Oak Hill Park was Accrington's second park, and the land was purchased bu the Corporation from Reginald Hargreaves for £12,000 in 1892. Work began in July of that year to prepare the estate for its opening as a park. The official opening took place on Whit Monday, 22 May 1893. It was an impressive occasion, as aldermen and councillors, and magistrates and mayors from the neighbouring towns joined the procession from the Town Hall. After the Mayor's speech of welcome, Reginald Hargreaves unlocked the main gates and the assembled crowds flooded into the park. The procession then moved to the bandstand, which had been presented by Councillor Joseph Duxbury; he had also given the new entrance gates and pillars. The Town Clerk, Mr Aitken, had provided swans and waterfowl to stock the lake which had been created, and the Accrington Brick and Tile Company had donated several terra-cotta vases which had been placeed in various spots in the park.

A Selection of Memories from Accrington

For many years now, we've been inviting visitors to our website to add their own memories to share their experiences of life as it was, prompted by the photographs in our archive. Here are some from Accrington

Sparked a Memory for you?

If this has sparked a memory, why not share it here?

My Grandfather was baptised here in October 1891.
My brother Anthony and I grew up in Barnes Street/Lee Street where my parents ran an off-licence from about 1953 - 1962. We both went to Miss Caulfield's Preparatory school and my brother went on to Blackburn Grammar School. We used to play in the streets and up at the coppice and the nearby park. I remember Plantation Street as one of the streets we traversed to get to school. David Benson and ...see more
I lived in Accrington . Maden Street . Went to Holy Family School. Often went in the Block Aid Pub. And lived with Annette Krywisneack. Many happy memories . I also had many friends in Accrington Keith Allen and all the biker people. I now live on a narrow boat with my husband.
We moved to Accrington fom Whalley 10th December 1941. I remember it because Syd Ashmeed and his band was broadcasting that day and Ronnie Brooks was the drummer and I wanted to listen to the broadcast but as we were moving I missed it. I started work at Howard & Bulloughs in April 1941 as an apprentice mechanic in the milling room, but after a year I asked for a transfer to the tool room. George ...see more