The picture above is of the front cover of Susan Lasdun’s standard text, published 1991 and reproduces part of a painting by William Hannan, c. 1745, ‘West Wycombe Park, Buckinghamshire’. The picture, if true to the time, shows some features of a typical ‘landscaped’ private park of the time; a lake (a model boat sailing […]

Demobilisation of soldiers after the Great War was staggered. Sidney was to experience over another year of military service after November 1918. Doris in later life confirmed to me that Sidney, as a young dad, had spoken of being billeted to a German family in Aachen (Aix la Chapelle) during what became known as the post-War

A short break from Public Parks, Recreation Grounds, Allotments and Civil Cemeteries. On Sunday 11th last the centenary of the signing of the Armistice to end the hostilities of the Great War was commemorated by many respectful events across the country. One particular comment made on a radio programme by an ex-conscript (recorded many years ago) was to the effect

The first session of the revised WEA short course (five weeks) entitled ‘A Place of Resort’ took place Monday evening. Eight students this time, so the course may not be allowed to continue, with illustrated introductory info. about public parks, recreation grounds, allotment sites and civil cemeteries. Very lively class discussions and a very enjoyable class.

For now, my final comment re allotments is to highlight an excellent site at Swinton, just south of Mexborough, South Yorkshire. Three years ago I had occasion to go to Mexborough each week on Saturdays and when the visit was over I would take the dog on a circular walk which took-in a linear park

Two Acts of Parliament in 1845 and 1882 encouraged local authorities to provide ‘field gardens’ for the ‘labouring poor’. The 1887 Allotment and Cottage Garden Compensation for Crops Act required county councils (then Lindsey in the case of Barton) to provide allotments where there was a demand. Following a further act of 1908 allotment land