Park and garden, garden. Ireland’s Royal Gardens were established in this area in the 1820s. Park Crescent was built in 1849 on the site of the original cricket ground.
Valley Gardens CA.
LLHA0217.
Ireland’s Royal Gardens were established in this area in the 1820s. Covering 10 acres, it included a cricket ground, a fives court, a canal, a gothic tower and an aviary. The gate piers to Union Road (listed grade II) were constructed as part of these gardens.
In the 1830s, and under new ownership, it was redesigned as a zoological garden with exotic animals, an aviary and an oriental theme. Following the bankruptcy of the owner, however, the gardens closed in c.1833 and were described as closed and overgrown in 1838.
Park Crescent was built in 1849 on the site of the original cricket ground. The buildings - by A.H.Wilds in an Italianate style - form an approximate horseshoe shape, with the private gardens located within.
The gardens were laid out in a relatively informal style, with winding paths and planting. A further path follows the perimeter. The gardens are bounded to the south by a flint cobble wall with yellow-brick dressings; extended and raised in red brick. The gardens appear to largely match the historic design.
Source: Antram & Morrice 2008, Berry 2000.
ii. A good example of a mid-19th century designed garden.
ii. The site retains elements that illustrate its development as one of the city’s few pleasure gardens, supplemented through historic documents and maps.
iv. The garden is closely associated with the surrounding listed buildings and gate piers.
i. The design layout and planting remain largely intact.
2015.
