Rock Park
New Use for Lodge
The Town Council has now established its ownership of Rock Park Lodge, which has lain empty and disused for many years. This Grade II Listed building sits at the entrance to Rock Park on Ladies Mile and was previously the park-keeper’s home. Planning consent has now been obtained to carry out repair works to the Lodge, and for its change of use from residential to community arts use.
Subject to the Town Council having sufficient funding available, it is hoped to restore the wood panelled rest room for public use, and to restore and repair the remainder of the building for use by a community arts group as their headquarters. The tender process is now underway and it is hoped that the contract can be awarded at the beginning of September.
Tea in the Park
Visitors can now take a break in the delightful surroundings of Rock Park. The kiosk, next to the children’s play area, will be serving refreshments every day throughout the summer between 10.00am and 6.00pm including hot and cold drinks, ice creams, snacks, cakes and baguettes.
Bestowed by Victorian benefactor William Rock this expansive pleasure park was opened with great public celebration. The grand obelisk at its entrance honours the opening in August of 1879. Ruined cottages, a factory and yard and an old limekiln were demolished in order to make way for the park and the ‘wide and noisome beach and water courses’ as they were at the time described, were tidied and drained. Sited in the Park is also the town’s war memorial and a Millennium Stone dating from 1930. This was the year that the town celebrated a 1000 years as a borough on the basis of an alleged Charter from King Athelstan in 930. As part of those celebrations swimming baths and a boating lake were constructed within the park, but, sadly, neither exist today.
(Excerpt from the Barnstaple Heritage Trail)
Footpath beside Ladie's Mile, and panelled room in Rock Park Lodge.
Old Iron Railway Bridge, now a footpath, Rock Park.
Working for the Community
