Platt Fields Park

Whose park is this anyway? Platt Fields Park, of course! But did you know it almost became a housing estate? Platt Fields Park has a rich history. It dates back to 1150. Back then, it was just “the lands of Platt”. These lands were granted to the Knights of St. John. Fast forward to 1225, and the Platt family takes ownership. They held onto it for 400 years, shaping the land. Then, in 1625, the Worsley family took over. One famous Worsley, Lieutenant Colonel Worsley, was Manchester’s first Member of Parliament. He even served under Oliver Cromwell. Platt Fields Park then was a peaceful country estate. Imagine, on the edge of the Cheshire Plain. By 1907, the estate was up for sale. A local, William Royle, rallied the community. He urged the city to buy Platt Fields Park. They successfully purchased the estate from Mrs. Carill Worsley in 1908 for a hefty £59,975. The park was transformed. During a period of high unemployment, over 700 men found work. They laid out the park, diverting Gore Brook and creating the iconic lake and island. Platt Fields Park officially opened in May 1910. The park continued to evolve. Between 1919 and 1925, during another period of unemployment, the community shaped the park further. They created bowling greens, tennis courts, and even a bathing pool. A section near Trinity Church became a Speakers’ Corner, drawing crowds on Sunday mornings. Platt Fields Park also hosted the Manchester Flower Show until 2003. The park has seen its share of challenges. The tennis pavilion, built in 1926, was sadly demolished in 2006. But through it all, Platt Fields Park remains a vibrant heart of the community. It’s a testament to the vision of those who fought to preserve its green space for everyone to enjoy.