History of
Alexandra Park
The park has a history that dates back to the 18th century. With the findings of fragments of pottery and possible charcoal kilns structures, this suggests an early medieval settlement in the area of Shornden.
By the end of the 18th century, Hastings was quickly developing as a significant south coast resort.
1849
Eversfield Waterworks Company was formed to supply water for the growing town's population. They leased land from the Eversfield Estate.
1852
By this year, the Shornden and Harmers Reservoirs had been built for the project to supply water.
As well as this, the construction of the Buckshole Reservoir had just started.
At the other end of the park, construction of the railway line from Hastings to Ashford had gone underway. A huge embankment formed the southern boundary to the park.
1877
Robert Marnock was one of the best horticulturalist and garden designer in the 19th century. The Council hired him to "provide the bulk of the trees and shrubs which are likely to be required for the public park". A limit of £250 was set.
1882
Alexandra park was officially opened on June 26 by the Prince and Princess of Wales (who was also known as Princess Alexandra).
This was led by a great procession which took place from the railway station to the park where the royal guests where greeted by Robert Marnock.
From here, two memorial trees (believed to be limes) were planted and an album of photographs were presented to Princess Alexandra by Robert Marnock.
The event attracted high interest to the media which included the presence of the London Illustrated News.
The Hastings and St Leonards Observer gave a highly positive report of the park, both concluding that Alexandra Park "will make one of the most picturesque and characteristic features of Hastings".
A temporary ceremonial arch was created at the entrance to Hastings Station forecourt and the image is looking down Havelock Road with the Old Golden Cross Pub (now Flairz) seen on the left.
photo by Sarah Marland
Timeline Of Special Park Dates:
Our Park has some incredible features and facilities, we thought our friends would enjoy seeing the timeline of progression….
October 1877 Robert Marnock commissioned to design a new park for Hastings 77 acres.
June 1878 -1882 Laying out of the new park to Robert Marnock's design.
June 26th 1882 Park opened to the public by the Prince and Princess of Wales. Named Alexandra Park after the Princess.
15th June Land south of Buckshole Reservoir purchased from Howard Elphinstone .
August 1901 Former White Rock and Marina bandstand installed in the park
1901 Refreshment room constructed,
1903 Corporation purchases freeholds for Shornden, Harmans and Buckshole Reservoirs.
1907 Bowling Green laid down
1908 Bowling green clubhouse installed
1914 Aviary added to the park
1920 Hard tennis courts and pavilion constructed.
March 26th 1922 War Memorial unveiled designer Margaret Winser. .
1939-39 Old Roar Ghyll purchased by the Corporation and added to he park.
1931 Thorpe Wood added to the park presented by Councillor Arther Thorpe
29th June 1932 Celebration the golden jubilee in the park
June 1934 Greenhouses purchased from Richardson's of Darlington.
May 15th 1937 Coronation wood purchased
May 15th 1937 250 local school children help plant trees
1971 Victorian pumping station demolished
August 1990 New bowls clubhouse opened
24th April 2004 Opening of refurbished park £2.5 m Heritage Lottery fund
27 August 2013 Park upgraded to Grade 11* status on Register of Parks and Gardens of Special Historic Interest in England.
Jan Woudstra
‘superior to any park in any other seaside resort’,
Garden History, 51:1 (2023), pp.17-38
Jan Woudstra Honorary Professor, School of Architecture and Landscape at The University of Sheffield, where he has taught since 1995.
Enjoy reading his paper extract: -
Jan Woudstra, ‘Robert Marnock’s retirement project: Alexandra Park, Hastings (1876-1882), ‘superior to any park in any other seaside resort’, Garden History, 51:1 (2023), pp.17-38
(click through gallery below with more historical details and images OR download and read the PDF document)
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