3-017-212 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Opening of Alexandra Park at Oldham, 1865. 'The new public park at Oldham, near Manchester, which has been constructed mainly by the labour of the factory people thrown out of regular employment by the late stoppage of the American cotton supply, was formally opened by the Mayor of Oldham, Mr. Josiah Radcliffe...[It was designed by] Mr. Henderson...[and the work was carried out by] Messrs. Woodhouse and Potts...The park affords ample space for the recreation and enjoyment of the people, and immense numbers have visited it during the past summer. The works are nearly approaching completion. The ceremony...was unfortunately spoiled by the very bad weather...[however,] members of the corporation, the magistrates, the poor-law guardians, various local officials, the friendly societies, the rifle volunteers, and many of the townsfolk, with several bands of music, escorted the Mayor to the entrance in Sheepwashes-lane, where the key of the park was presented to his Worship by Mr. Councillor Bamford, with an appropriate address...a history of the construction of the park...was then inclosed in a bottle, to be deposited in a hole in the corner-stone of the proposed entrance-lodge...the singing of the National Anthem concluded the proceedings'. From "Illustrated London News", 1865.