Werneth Park

Werneth Park is a public park in Oldham, Greater Manchester, England, including a Grade II* listed Community Centre, Music Rooms, Dame Sarah Lees Memorial, Gardens and sports facilities.

Werneth Park
Werneth Park is located in Greater Manchester
Werneth Park
Location in Werneth, Oldham
TypePublic Park
Coordinates53°31′58″N 2°7′49″W
Area9 hectares (22 acres)
Operated byOldham Metropolitan Borough Council
OpenOpen, year-round
StatusExisting
WebsiteWerneth Park

History

Werneth Hall and Park

Werneth Park formed part of the historic Werneth Hall estate (the lands owned by the lord of the manor of Oldham) from the Middle Ages until around 1844 when the triangular plot of land which is now known as the park was separated from the rest of the estate (Werneth Hall) and the Platt, Lees and Radcliffe families bought the plots of land.[1][2]

Entrance to Werneth Park, Oldham

Werneth Park and Platt House

During the late-19th century, each of the Platt, Lees and Radcliffe families built a "mill town mansion" overlooking the park's landscape and developed their grounds as gardens.

Later, the Lees family bought the other families' portions and (with the exception of their own house (known as “Werneth Park”) and the music room and conservatory of the Platts' House) demolished all the other buildings to become the sole owners of the park.

After the death of the philanthropist Dame Sarah Lees in 1936, her daughter, Miss Marjory Lees, gave the park to the tplace in greatet manchtester, Oldham.[1][2]

Dame Sarah Lees Memorial

This monument to the local philanthropist and public figure, Dame Sarah Lees (1842–1935), was erected in her honour by the townspeople of Oldham in 1937.[3]

She was the first woman councillor elected for Oldham Council and also the first woman councillor to be elected in Lancashire in 1907. She was later the second female mayor in the country when she became Mayor of Oldham in 1910.[4]

Werneth Park Community Centre
Werneth Park Community Centre
TypeAdult Education and Community Centre
LocationWerneth, Oldham, Greater Manchester
Builtc.1847–49
Architectural style(s)Italianate
Governing bodyOldham Metropolitan Borough Council
Listed Building – Grade II*
Official nameWerneth Park (House)
Designated8 March 1993
Reference no.1201654

Werneth Park Adult Education Centre was originally the private residence of the Lees family. Since 1936, has been adapted for use as a Community Centre with the building extended to add a rear wing to house the Natural History Collection.[1][2][5][6]

Werneth Park Music Rooms

The Music Rooms were originally the private residence of the Platt family, and were used for music concerts for many years. Plans were announced for restoration of the Music Rooms in 2010.[7]

Recreation and Sports Facilities

The park houses a Bowling Green, Tennis Courts, five-a-side Football Areas, Children's Playground and natural play area, Trim Trail, and Car Parks.[1][2]

See also

References
  1. A Survey of Historic Parks and Gardens in Greater Manchester. University of Manchester and University of York. 1994.
  2. Cook, Hannah. "Werneth Park". www.oldham.gov.uk. Retrieved 13 March 2021.
  3. "Monument to Sarah Lees, Werneth Park, Oldham, Greater Manchester | Educational Images | Historic England". historicengland.org.uk. Retrieved 13 March 2021.
  4. "Dame Sarah Lees Memorial". Public Monuments and Sculpture Association: National Recording Project. Archived from the original on 4 April 2016.
  5. "Werneth Park Adult Education Centre, Oldham - 1201654 | Historic England". historicengland.org.uk. Retrieved 13 March 2021.
  6. "Werneth Park Lifelong Learning Centre". Ofsted. 11 March 2020.
  7. "Windfall for Werneth Park". Manchester Evening News. 20 April 2010. Retrieved 13 March 2021.


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