Whitehall Park is a listed Grade II Park. It was listed by Historic England in 1996.
The public park opened in 1879 and was enlarged further in 1887, 1899 and 1902.
DEVELOPMENT: Darwen Corporation acquired c 6ha (14a) of land from John Adamson in 1879 and Whitehall Park was opened the same year. Three further small plots of land (totalling c 0.6ha) were added between 1887 and 1902: in 1887 land was purchased from Mrs Vickers; in 1899 ground fronting on Cemetery Road was bought from J P Entwistle, extending the park to the north; and in 1902 the landholding was completed through a purchase of land from E Deakin.
The park has many historic features Including the main gates, the Lychgate, remains of the Walmsley Sundial, Catlow Drinking Fountain, Lightbown Fountain, Lovers Glen Waterfall & the siting remains of The Cannon.
More recent additions include the Rose Garden created on the site of the former greenhouses and the orchard created on the former site of the Bandstand.
More information on the park can be found on the history drop down tabs.
The main gate to Whitehall Park was installed to Commemorate the Coronation of George V in 1911. The entrance has a lecturn which displays a map of the park. Just inside the gate on the left handside is the Bowling Green club. Further up is the playground set back on the left hand side.
The Lightbown Lych Gate is located at the junction where Queens Road transitions into Whitehall Road. The Lych Gate was a donation made in 1907 by Mayoress Mrs T Lightbown (Madian name - Alice Kay). This followed the Lightbown Fountain, also donated in her name in October 1886.
The Rose Garden courtesy of Mr Graham Woods