FRIENDS of Fort Royal Park and the Canon of Worcester Cathedral, Dr. Alvyn Pettersen teamed up to plant a pair of trees to mark the park’s centenary.
A disease resistant elm and a pink berried rowan were planted to mark the formal end of a year of celebrations for the historic park.
Fort Royal Park was officially opened on June 29, 1915 and the creation of a new park at this time, a year after the Great War had started, was mainly due to the formidable and intriguing Canon James Maurice Wilson of Worcester Cathedral.
He had arrived in Worcester ten years before, already aged 69. He strongly believed that children and adults needed open spaces, not only for fun, but also to improve their health – and to be used as open air schools.
When land on Fort Royal hill came up for auction in 1912, Canon Wilson used some interesting tactics to persuade Worcester City Council to purchase part of the park we know today, although its final size and shape was only achieved in 1973.
He bought the land above Wyld’s Lane for £450, and gave it to the City Council in 1913 ‘as a small park and playground for little children’.
He then persuaded the City Council to buy the remaining land on Wyld’s Lane in order to create access to the public open space.
“Fort Royal is not only a site of great historic importance – it is also a much loved public space which has been enjoyed by residents and visitors, old and young alike, for one hundred years,” said Coun Lynn Denham, Chair of the Friends of Fort Royal Park and Commandery Gardens.
“The planting of these trees marks the end of the park’s official centenary celebrations, which culminated in a birthday party for local people in the summer.
“We hope the park will continue to be a place where people can play, relax and enjoy the beautiful views across Worcester for many generations to come,” she added.
