Wensum is one of a series of formal parks that received government funding after World War I as part of a building and planting programme. Much of the improvement in provision of public parks and open spaces was directly attributable to Captain Arnold Sandys-Winsch, a landscape architect, who was Norwich City Council’s Parks Superintendent from 1919 to 1956. The park was designed and built by him from 1924 to 1928, using unemployment relief labour.
The Captain
The Pavilion
Wensum Park 1931
Between 1800 and 1900 the population of Norwich increased rapidly but very little thought was given to providing public open space. An exception to this is Chapelfield Gardens in the city centre, which opened as a public park during November 1880.
At the start of the 20th century the Norwich playing field and open spaces society together with the ‘Corporation’ – now Norwich City Council - and other individuals began buying or leasing land. The aim was to develop parks when funds became available. Some benefactors gifted land and they are remembered today by the names given to their bequest. For example, James Stuart Gardens (off St Faith’s Lane) and Sewell Park (between St Clement’s Hill and Constitution Hill). The years following the WWI were a time of unemployment and hardship. Taking advantage of government grants, the corporation made the bold decision to construct a series of formal parks as a means of unemployment relief.
The parks superintendent, Captain Sandys-Winsch, was charged with drawing up plans and implementing the building and planting programme. Wensum Park was opened in 1925.
Capt Sandy Winsch on the far left, Wensum Park
This really is a lovely riverside park. Ideal for a picnic with the family and a chance to experience some of the local wildlife on the river. You forget you are a stones-throw from the city center. There is also a children's play area, paddling pool, labyrinth and even toilets in the park and often an ice cream van outside on Drayton Road in the summer!
Please bring your own pen and replace exactly as found!
Congratulations to snoozepaul for FTF!!