Abbey Park
The area on the east bank was low-lying meadowland, with very few features and was subject to flooding. The area was purchased from the Earl of Dysart as part of a flood alleviation scheme in 1876 and plans were made for creating a much-needed public open space.
A competition was held in 1877 to design the new park and it was won by the firm of William Barron and Sons. William Barron was one of the most famous gardeners in Victorian England. As well as the gardens, William Barron also designed the bandstands, rustic bridges and summerhouses. However, his designs for the lodges and pavilion were not used and James Tait, a local architect, was employed to design them. The park was officially opened by the Prince and Princess of Wales, on Whit Monday, 29 May 1882.
Abbey Grounds
The Abbey was founded in 1143 by Robert le Bossu, the Earl of Leicester and was closed by King Henry VIII in 1538. The Marquis of Northampton built a mansion on the site out of the old material from the Abbey. In 1613, William Cavendish, the first Earl of Devonshire, acquired the property and it became known as Cavendish House. The house was used by Charles I after the siege of Leicester in 1645 and after he left, his soldiers set fire to it leaving the house gutted. The charred stone window frame is still visible today.
Cardinal Wolsey
Cardinal Wolsey died at the Leicester Abbey on 29 November 1530 whilst
en route from York to London. Five weeks earlier he had been accused by Henry VIII of high treason against the Crown was due to be incarcerated in the Tower of London. His memorial can be found in the Abbey ruins and a
statue stands next to the Park's cafe.
In 1925, the Earl of Dysart offered the Leicester Abbey Grounds as a gift to the town council. This was accepted and the Deed of Gift for 32 acres of land was signed on 31 December 1925. The new park was opened in April 1932 and was intended to serve as a recreation ground providing areas for sports such as cricket and tennis. At the same time it incorporated the ruins of Cavendish House and the excavated remains of the Abbey.
To book your guided walk and talk, all social and community groups welcome, telephone 0116 222 1000.
