Entrance Lodge, Queen's Park, Heywood

HEYWOOD - A new public park was opened at Heywood on the 2nd inst. According to the Manchester Courier, the park has been provided and is to become the property of the town under very singular circumstances. Several years ago, Mr. Charles M. Newhouse, a local cotton manufacturer, was proceeding by train from Heywood to Manchester, and when near Miles Platting an accident occurred. Mr. Newhouse, who occupied the carriage along with other gentlemen, got upon the steps of the vehicle. Immediately afterwards the carriage capsized and he was killed, but the rest of the passengers escaped with slight injury. As Mr. Newhouse died without heirs, his property passed into the possession of her Majesty by her right of the Duchy of Lancaster. About twelve months ago her Majesty announced her intention of disposing of this property, which, on being realised, amounted to several thousand pounds sterling, for the benefit of the inhabitants of the district, and ultimately it was decided to expend it in providing a public park. The land acquired comprises and area of twenty acres and is situated on the banks of the River Roach, about half a mile from the centre of the town. It is very undulating and well- wooded with beech, chestnut, and other trees, and from a plateau a fine view is obtained of the surrounding district. A stone fountain occupies the centre space at the convergence of the principal walks. In the lower part of the park there is a lake. A bowling-green is provided, and a band-house has also been erected. The various works in connexion with the park have been carried out under the direction of Mr G. R. Cartwright, of the office of the Surveyor-General of the Duchy of Lancaster at Harrogate. The contractors have been: - for masonry, Messrs. Diggle Brothers; painting, etc., Mr W. Warburton; for the cutting of the walks, etc., Mr. W. Turner; and the Coalbrookdale Iron Company. [Builder 23 August 1879 page 950]

LODGE, HEYWOOD PARK, ROCHDALE - This lodge is being erected at the entrance to a new public park given by Her Majesty the to the town of Rochdale. The walls up to the first floor are constructed of pitch faces delph stones and above that in half-timber and cement. The gables are filled in with tile hanging, and the roof is covered with chocolate-coloured Staffordshire tiles. The interior woodwork and fittings are in pitch pine. Messrs Diggle Brothers, of Heywood are the contractors for all trades. [British Architect 18 April 1879 page 164].

QUEEN'S PARK - THIS PARK; PURCHASED AND LAID OUT WITH MONIES WHICH DEVOLVED TO HER MAJESTY, IN RICHT OF HER DUCHY, AND COUNTY PALATINE OF LANCASTER; FROM THE ESTATE OF THE LATE CHARLES MARTIN NEWHOUSE, OF HEYWOOD, DECEASED, WAS PRESENTED TO THE TOWN OF HEYWOOD BY QUEEN VICTORIA, AND WAS PUBLICLY OPENED ON THE 2nd DAY OF AUGUST,1879; BY COLONEL THE RIGHT HONOURABLE THOMAS EDWARD TAYLOR M.P. CHANCELLOR OF HER MAJESTY'S DUCHY AND COUNTY PALATINE.  (text from plaque on lodge front)

The Park is listed Grade II

As shown in the illustration published in the British Architect the first floor was built in half-timbering with tile hanging restricted to the triangular gables. The road elevation etc is now entirely tile-hung at first floor level, an assumed later alteration which has led to some unusual effects at the junctions where the two materials meet.

Reference        British Architect 18 April 1879 page 164 and illustration.
Reference        Builder 23 August 1879 page 950 - opening