Easton Gardens
Easton Gardens is a public garden, located on the Isle of Portland, Dorset, England. It is found within the centre of the Easton village, at Easton Square. The gardens have remained a popular focal point for local residents for over 100 years, and have been awarded the Green Flag Award.
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Background
The idea for a public garden to be created each at Underhill and Tophill on Portland stems back to 1896.[1] By 1901 it was decided to transform Easton Square into Tophill district's gardens.[2] While Victoria Gardens at Underhill was being developed, the scheme for Easton Gardens was approved in August 1903. The engineer Mr R. S. Henshaw developed a plan and during 1903, work began on enclosing the gardens, while Messrs Stewart & Sons were tasked with laying out the gardens.[3] Within the enclosed gardens, ornamental lawns, flower beds and winding asphalted footpaths were laid out, with a bandstand erected in the centre.[4]
The official opening of Easton Gardens was on 18 August 1904, by Mr Henry Sansom, Chairman of the Urban Council. The day was noted for its sunshine, and featured a large audience.[5] In 2004, the gardens celebrated their 100th anniversary, where locals donned costumes of the period to celebrate.[6] In recent years, Easton Gardens has been awarded Green Flag status.[6]
Clock Tower
In 1905, Henry Sansom, who had opened the gardens a year before, made the suggestion of erecting a clock tower within the gardens. Designed by R. Stevenson Henshaw, the clock was built by Wakeham Brothers by 1907. A ceremony in May 1907 unveiled the clock in front of a large crowd.[7][8] As a prominent feature in the square ever since, the clock tower has been Grade II Listed since May 1993. English Heritage's survey noted that the clock is a Jacobethan-styled structure with Gothic details.[9]
Features
Easton Gardens largely feature grassed and formal bedding areas, as well as holding mature trees. A children's play area is located in the gardens suitable for children, whilst a basketball court is located nearby, along with picnic tables and seating. There are also recently refurbished public and disabled toilet facilities within the gardens.[10][11]
References
- ↑ http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~pbtyc/Portland/PYB/Gardens.html
- ↑ http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~pbtyc/Portland/PYB/Gardens.html
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- ↑ http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~pbtyc/Portland/PYB/Gardens.html
- ↑ http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~pbtyc/Portland/PYB/Gardens.html
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