Mary Stevens Park exists thanks to the generosity of Ernest Stevens, a wealthy pots and pans manufacturer who was born in Lye in 1867.
Ernest’s wife, Mary (née Collins), was born in Quarry Bank in 1869. They married in 1895 in Christ’s Church, Quarry Bank. While Ernest built his successful business – the famous Judge Ware, a kitchen equipment brand still in existence, Mary devoted her life to helping those that were unable to help themselves – in particular children and disadvantaged women.
Ernest and Mary’s happy marriage was cut short in 1925, when Mary died following several years suffering from cancer. After her death Ernest made several large public donations, many of them dedicated to perpetuating the memory of his wife. Principally, in 1929 he purchased the Studley Court estate and house from the nuns of the St. Andrews Convent with the intention of creating the Mary Stevens Park. This acquisition prevented the land being sold off to build houses, preserving it as an open space for future generations.
Ernest paid £15,257 (approximately £850,000 today) for the estate and house, and swiftly presented it to Stourbridge Borough as a public park and recreation ground.
A Deed of Gift accompanied the donation:
“THE DEED OF GIFT PROVIDES FOR AND PROTECTS THE BEAUTY OF THE PARK FOR ALL TIME AND MAKES IT A PLACE OF REST FOR THE WEARY, OF HAPPINESS FOR THE CHILDREN AND OF BEAUTY FOR EVERYONE.”