Monument record MDO8618 - Upper, Central and Lower Pleasure Gardens, Bournemouth

Public gardens created in the nineteenth century and further developed during the twentieth century. The Lower Pleasure Gardens were laid out in the 1840s for the Meyrick family and became town property in 1873. The Upper and Central Pleasure Gardens had been the property of the Durrant family and were laid out 1871-89 by the Bournemouth Improvement Commissioners.

The gardens run inland for c.3km in a roughly north-westerly direction, following the course of the Bourne Stream, and lie on slightly undulating ground to either side of the stream. South-eastern end at Pier Approach, north-western at the junction of Branksome Wood Road and Coy Pond Road, where the Coy Pond Gardens continue west-north-west for another 600m, still following the course of the Bourne. The Lower Pleasure Gardens were laid out in 1840s for the Meyrick family under the influence of Decimus Burton, and became town property in 1873. The Upper and Central Pleasure Gardens had been the property of the Durant family, were acquired by the town, and were laid out 1871-89 by the Bournemouth Improvement Commissioners. The entire complex of gardens, walks and adjacent roads is a fine example of the application of J C Loudon's conception of the 'gardenesque', in relation to the association of urban villas and gardens with public parks. Considerable variation in features, with belts of trees, shrubbery, and lawns, crossed by winding paths, and open areas with promenades, formal bedding, and views of the sea and public buildings. The Lower Pleasure Gardens (from the Square to Pier Approach), being between the main shopping area and the seafront, are subject to more intensive use, while the Upper and Central areas retain more of their original resiential suroundings. Planting in the Lower Pleasure Gardens retains early 19th century conifers, with 20th century ornamental shrubs and formal bedding. Putting green, bandstand. The Central Pleasure Gardens crossed since late 1970s by Wessex Way, adjacent to tennis courts. Ornamental shrubs, mature individual trees and bedding displays. 19th century ornamental public gardens, c.17 1/2ha, further developed in 20th century. The Lower Pleasure Gardens were laid out in 1840s for the Meyrick family and became town property in 1873. The Upper and Central Pleasure Gardens had been the property of the Durrant family and were laid out 1871-89 by the Bournemouth Improvement Commissioners. [Full topographical description] LISTED GRADE II*. <2>

Record last edited

Dec 16 2022 11:05AM