Congratulations to Charlie_Towlson for the FTF!
Southampton Central Parks have recently been awarded the prestigious Grade II* listed status on the English Heritage Register of Parks and Gardens of special historic interest. This upgraded listing recognises the parks' national importance as examples of early municipal parks whose layout and design remains substantially intact, enhanced by notable monuments of social and historic interest associated with significant historical events.
The Green Flag award winning, Central Parks were established between 1854 and 1866 on ancient fields known as Lammas Lands. Lammas Lands were the ancient medieval town fields cultivated privately for six months each year until 1 August (Lammas Day) when they became available for common grazing. The recently upgraded Grade II* listed historic Central Parks are made up of five parks - Andrews (East) Park, Hoglands Park, Houndwell Park, Palmerston Park and Watts (West) Park which together cover 21 hectares.
Central Parks are a green oasis in the heart of the city centre. You will find lots to do in the parks with a mini-golf course, a skate park and cricket pitches. Events include family and children's activities, guided walks, arts in the park, Mela festival and regular music in the bandstand.
(Information taken from Southampton City Council Website)
Location 1 - Watts Statue
This entire park is named after this chap – but what’s he called?
Number of letters in Mr Watt’s first name = A
Next location: N50 54.(A)81 W001 24. 30(A+1)
Location 2 – Lest We Forget
You can’t really miss this moving location. How many lions can you see? (Hint, it is more than 2!)
Number of Lions = B
Next location: N50 54.(B)11 W001 24.2(A+2)8
Location 3 – The Ship
This beautiful memorial has recently been restored. How many men called Thomas are listed?
Number of Thomas’ = C
Next location: N50 54. (A+1)11 W001 24 1(B+C)7
Location 4 –Your Majesty
This location is a sight to see – when it’s on that is! But how many letters are in the middle word of the name of this royal area?
Number of letters in the third word = D
Next location: N50 54.D49 W001 24.1(A+2)(B+C)
Location 5 – Whose Trees are these?
If you hadn’t spotted, there are a few trees around here… But when were they planted?
Date = E86F
Next location: N50 54 (C+E)9E W001 24.E7(B+F)
Location 6 – In Memoriam
A small plaque in memory of an awful disaster.
Year on the plaque = 1G88
Next location: N50 54.C4(G-F) W001 24.EEC
Location 7 – Can you hear the music?
This is a beautiful spot in summer. But how many “legs” does it have?
Number of legs = H
Next location: N50. 54. FC4 W001. 24.EE(H+E)
Location 8 – Some refreshment?
Well, not anymore… But maybe when it was fist built.
Year built = J8K9
Next location: N50 54. JGF W001. 24 EJF
Location 9 – Big Blue
Wow, that’s a tall one! How many stars can you see?
Count the number of stars and half them =L
Final Location: N50 D(A-J).E (K+F)(G-D) W001 FC.(L+E)H(B-C)
If you add all the letters you have collected together (A to L), your checksum should equal 53.