In 1876 Leicester Council brought the land for Abbey Park. It was part of the former Abbey Meadows site. Experienced landscape designer William Barron created the park grounds. Barron had designed grand country houses and their gardens, including Elvaston Castle in Derby. Lewis Hornblower and Edouard Andre who created Sefton Park in Liverpool also influenced Barron’s design of the park. Abbey Park was officially opened on the 29 May 1882 by the Prince and Princess of Wales.
Local architect James Tait designed the park’s pavilion and lodges. The lodges at the Abbey Park Road entrance were built in 1881. The Grade II Slater Street lodge is built in the Tudor style. It has timber frames and red bricks. The Park House was built in 1893. There were glasshouses which were used to grow plants for the park.
After Word War I development of the park continued. In 1922 a new pavilion was added to the Bowling Green. In 1923 the Band Stand from Victoria Park was moved to Abbey Park. During the 1930s a new Cricket Pavilion was built. In 1949 the Leicester Society of Model Engineers created the model railway. A new café was built in 1963. This is now the park’s Education Centre. In 1989 the oriental-themed Garden of Friendship, was opened.
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(47- 500) A military fort was erected, attracting traders and a growing civilian community to Leicester (known as Ratae Corieltauvorum to the Romans). The town steadily grew throughout the reign of the Romans.
(500 – 1500) The early years of this period was one of unrest with Saxon, Danes and Norman invaders having their influences over the town. Later, of course, came Richard III and the final battle of the Wars of the Roses was fought on Leicester’s doorstep.
(1500 – 1700) The wool trade flourished in Leicester with one local, a former mayor named William Wigston, making his fortune. During the English Civil War a bloody battle was fought as the forces of King Charles I laid siege to the town.
(1700 – 1837) The knitting industry had really stared to take hold and Leicester was fast becoming the main centre of hosiery manufacture in Britain. This new prosperity was reflected throughout the town with broader, paved streets lined with elegant brick buildings and genteel residences.
(1837 – 1901) The industrial revolution had a huge effect on Leicester resulting in the population growing from 40,000 to 212,000 during this period. Many of Leicester's most iconic buildings were erected during this time as wealthy Victorians made their mark on the town.
(1901 – 1910) Electric trams came to the streets of Leicester and increased literacy among the citizens led to many becoming politicised. The famous 1905 ‘March of the Unemployed to London’ left from Leicester market when 30,000 people came to witness the historic event.
(1910 – 1973) The diverse industrial base meant Leicester was able to cope with the economic challenges of the 1920s and 1930s. New light engineering businesses, such as typewriter and scientific instrument making, complemented the more traditional industries of hosiery and footwear manufacturing.
(1973 – present day) Industry was still thriving in the city during the 1970s, with the work opportunities attracting many immigrants from all over the world. While industry has declined in recent years, excellent transport links have made Leicester an attractive centre for many businesses. The City now has much to be proud of including its sporting achievements and the richness of its cultural heritage and diversity.
