History of Stamford Recreation Ground

In 1869, the land that now forms the Recreation Ground, was part of 1,598 acres of open fields on the outside of the town walls. During this year, three main bodies in Stamford got together to discuss enclosing this area. The bodies were The Town Council, The Exeter Estate and the Freeman of the Town. It was decided that this enclosure should go ahead.

On 31st March 1871, a Bill was passed by the Committee of the House of Lords to enclose Stamford’s open fields, which included the creation of what we now know as The Recreation Ground, approximately 8 acres in size.

Between 1872 and 1884 there were a number of maintenance concerns including who should have to pay for repair works to roads, and where to plant trees. In 1876 the Stamford Mercury said that ‘the site is at the back of North Street, a locality which will render the Recreation Ground useless to the respectable portion of the community and leaves its enjoyment exclusively to those who are not particular about their associations’.

1909 saw the start of some interesting debates with The Council on some elaborate schemes for improving the area. The Mayor of the time, Councillor T.S.Duncomb was the prime player in this. After much debate, it was agreed that there would be new fences and gates, trees and shrubs planted and paths levelled. Music would be able to be enjoyed and tennis and croquet played.

The below image is an overlay of the a proposed planting and laying out of the Recreation Ground from 1909, and a more recent ordinance survey map.

If you look closely, you should be able to make out the flower shape made up of the paths, with the bandstand in the middle. It is from here that the inspiration for the FOSR flower logo was taken.

See more during Love Parks Week. On Saturday 1st August, Stamford Museum will be putting up a display on the history of the Recreation Ground.