Tyne and Wear HER(5008): Leazes Park - Details
5008
Newcastle
Leazes Park
Newcastle
NZ26SW
Gardens Parks and Urban Spaces
Park
Public Park
POST MEDIEVAL
Victorian 1837 to 1901
Structure
Leazes Park is located on the northern limits of Newcastle city centre and provides a contrast with the wide open space of the Town Moor close by. Organising the first purpose built municipal park in the city was a taxing task for the councillors. In 1863 the architect and cartographer Thomas Oliver drew up plans for a formal park which included land across to Brandling village. The suggestions were not acceptable to the committee and John Hancock, brother of the naturalist Albany Hancock, was then commissioned to produce plans in 1871. Hancock's plan was inspired by 18th century landscape park design, disregarding requirements for recreational facilities which was a huge priority at the time. John Laing, who worked previously for Lord Armstrong as a steward, was asked to submit a design for the Castle Leazes, eventually the only area which was developed into a park. Having won the commission he made provision for skating, bowls and croquet. The existing boat lake, built in 1872 is the centrepiece of the design. A path leading from the west lodge approaches a stone terrace from which views across the park are framed by a stone balustrade. REGISTERED HISTORIC PARK.
424190
564880
NZ424190564880
<< HER 5008 >> F. Green, 1995, A Guide to the Historic Parks and Gardens of Tyne and Wear, p 34;
English Heritage, Register of Parks and Gardens of special historic interest in England; Leazes Conservation Area Character Statement, 2000; Pearson, Lynn, 2010, Played in Tyne and Wear - Charting the heritage of people at play, pp 36-37; J Fulton, 1869, Plan of proposed public park on the Town Moor & Castle Leazes, Newcastle upon Tyne, Newcastle Libraries L912.2 N536, https://www.flickr.com/photos/newcastlelibraries/26141785182/in/album-72157666225808630, J Fulton, 1870, Plan of proposed public park on the Town Moor & Castle Leazez, Newcastle upon Tyne, 24th October 1870, Newcastle Libraries, C2 672688 00 FE / L912.2 N536