A Brief History of Stratford Park
Stratford Park was first recorded in 1307. The property passed to Giles Gardner in 1671. He built a house on the present site in 1674, there being date stones on and inside the present house. In 1780 the house was enlarged by Nathaniel Winchcombe (later Clifford). Anthony Keck was probably the architect. In 1819 the house was sold to Joseph Watts. Maps show the walled garden at this time. His grandson Joseph Watts Hallewell inherited in 1855. During their ownership the grounds were developed. It is thought some of the trees came from the Holfords of Westonbirt. The property was put up for sale in 1891 on the death of Mr Watts Hallewell. Mr Ormerod, the owner in the early-20th century died in the 1930s, and following his wishes the site was sold in 1935 to Stroud Urban District Council, who built the swimming pool and bowling green in 1936. The Leisure Centre was built in 1975 and The Museum in the Park opened in 2001.
For full details about Stratford park please click here
For full details about Stratford park please click here
A Brief History of the Museum in the Park
For a history of the Stratford Park Mansion from it's humble beginnings in 1672 to being owned by Stroud brewer Joseph Watts and it's life after it was a private house - please click here
A Brief History of Lansdown Hall
Lansdown Hall and Gallery is a beautiful Grade 2 listed building built in the 1880s as a Temperance Hall. It is a building with considerable character. Being an old building, it needs considerable care so that it can continue as a community venue into the future.
Lansdown Hall and Gallery is owned by Stroud Town Council and run by an entirely separate charity for the benefit of the community. Many of the people working at the hall and gallery are volunteers, and the venue operates on a not for profit basis.
Lansdown Hall and Gallery is owned by Stroud Town Council and run by an entirely separate charity for the benefit of the community. Many of the people working at the hall and gallery are volunteers, and the venue operates on a not for profit basis.