Ward Jackson Park

Ward Jackson Park was opened in 1883 and had been purchased by public subscription. Even Mr Wooler of Sadberge Hall who sold the land donated 2 acres. It was all to commemorate the founder of West Hartlepool, Ralph Ward Jackson (1806 to 1880). He had been a politician, British railway promotor, and entrepreneur.

There are fashionable late 19th century mansions around the park area, it was the des res area for the wealthiest of Hartlepool.

The 17 acres formerly known as Old Cow Pasture have several notable Grade II listed features we shall explore.

There are many entrances into the park and I started by the small lake with plenty of geese and quacking ducks. You can buy duck food from the café on site. There are a variety of verdant trees that have reached a splendid size and offer shade or shelter from sun or rain.

The Victorian terrace is still there, built for the obligatory perambulation. It overlooks the flurry of flowers, and you can see a Corten Steel statue catching the sunlight.

The Heroism Of The Silent Gun is a 2022 statue by Ray Lonsdale. This is a memorial to those who fought in the Boer War from 1899 to 1902. 320 local men fought in this unwanted war and 23 died. Their names are on the memorial.

The original statue was created by local artist F.W. Doyle Jones and was unveiled in 1905. Sadly this soldier had his rifle stolen in 1968 and then later he was AWOL except for a trace of his boots. The thieves had cut him down in the night, for the bronze one presumes.

Ray Lonsdale was careful in his capture of this soldier with the correct rifle and uniform including a pith helmet and bandolier without any bullets for the rifle, which is purposely posed so that the soldier is not awaiting action.

There was an appropriate unveiling ceremony and blessing of the memorial in 2022.

The prose by Ray describes this wretched conflict.

Close by is the fountain. It dates to 1902 and is mostly made from cast iron, painted in the popular British racing green colour

Detail is abundant with mythical sea serpents ridden by cherubs with the heads of lions in between them at the base.

We go up to the pelicans who had the water spraying from their breast. Pelicans could be a reference to the 'piety of pelicans'. We have (not quite a host of) golden daffodils and atop there is a female figure holding aloft a torch. This was before the World Wars so not our goddess of victory. Unfortunately, the fountain no longer spouts water.

The current bandstand dates to circa 1901. It is an octagonal construction. The columns are cast iron and painted green. (There is a theme here.)

Historic England describes the roof such:

'Ogee metal cupola with decorative eaves board, cast iron angle consoles and ornamental cresting. Central swept spirelet with patterned cast iron gallery, cupped ball finial and vane.'

It sounds so romantic when put like this!

Don't forget to note the crest and motto of the town - 'E Mare Ex Industria,' which translates from Latin to, 'From Sea Comes Industry'.

The bowling green pavilion has 3 mosaics (on the walls) and a plaque to explain. The depictions give you a historical overview with a clue to what birds you will see/hear in the park. I could hear the Green Parakeets squawking.

The Clock Tower is a pleasing structure, looking younger than its 1921 date. You will note the clockface on the east and west elevations. The inscription reads:

'The gift of Alderman John Brown J.P. Mayor 1902-3-4. In Consideration for others 1921'

There's an Italian stucco-style house peeking nearby. There are also public toilets here which is becoming rarer!

I checked the map on their display board and noticed an area marked 'mini beast', so I went to explore and found Fungi which is the creation of Graeme Hopper and further on his playful spiders.

Graeme is known for his Millennium bug and Fungate at the Botanic Gardens. He is local to County Durham and his works engage the community.

The gate with the stone to close the gate was showing physics in action.

Mr Hopper has is a modern installation named Mast And Measures. A nautical theme eh? Graeme explained this is because Ward Jackson was a mariner. You can see the mast and the dividers which have been used since the 16th century and are still used today. The other cog-like parts are a nod to the industries that were in the area.

The Park Keepers Lodge built in 1883, still stands and has a nice arcaded porch with Tuscan columns (thank you Historic England).

If you wonder what the Mayoress Mrs J. W. Wilson presented to the park in her tenure 1921 to 1923 it is the park bell. Alas, now minus the bell which would have been to signal work, break, and home time to the attentive gardeners. There used to be a splendid rose garden here, now there is a fine view of the trees.

There is also a café which offers light snacks.