Princes Park
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Princes Park was the concept of Richard Vaughan Yates (1785-1856) a member of a prominent Liverpool family. He commissioned Joseph Paxton (1803-1865), head gardener to the Duke of Devonshire at the time, to design and 'lay out' the new park. Yates bought 90 acres of land from the Earl of Sefton, 50 acres of which were to form the central park. His idea was to use the remaining land to build exclusive housing which would help finance the park.
The original plans showed for the provision of 10 or more terraces but only Princes Park Mansions, the longest and 3 to 4 shorter ones were built. Individual villas replaced the other un-built terraces.
These properties had the added attraction of rear gardens leading into the park site. The central area, including the lake, was for the exclusive use of the residents who possessed keys to gain access. The general public were not allowed in this area so making it a 'private' park.
The park was opened in 1843 but it was not until 1918, after much financial wrangling and dispute that it passed into the hands of the City Council and became open to all.
Some original features have unfortunately been lost such as the Swiss boat house (some stonework remains by the lake). The Doric Lodge, which was situated by the Sunburst Gates at the main entrance, was destroyed by bombs in 1940.
The gates, representing the sun and its rays, designed by Sir James Pennethorne, a monument of red polished granite to Richard Vaughan Yates erected in 1858 and the gravestone of Judy the donkey, 'the childrens friend' who died in 1926, can still be seen.
Joseph Paxton 1803-1865
Joseph Paxton, son of a yeoman farmer, started his career as a gardener's boy and went on to become the head gardener for the Duke of Devonshire at Chatsworth, Derbyshire. Although Princes Park is notable as Paxton's first public park design, his creation of Birkenhead Park (later to become the inspiration for Central Park in New York) is generally regarded as the world's first public park.
His most famous achievement which earned him a knighthood was his design of the Crystal Palace for the Great Exhibition in 1851. In 1854 he was elected Liberal MP for Coventry and remained as such until his death in 1865. He is buried at Edensor Church in Derbyshire.
