History & Architecture
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History & Architecture
Heaton Park has a rich and fascinating history.
Between the mid 14th century and the beginning of the 20th century just
two families owned the Heaton estate.
It passed down through the generations of the Holland family until
Elizabeth Holland, the last member of the family line, married Sir John
Egerton in 1684.
In 1772 Sir Thomas Egerton (later 1st Earl of Wilton)
built a new home in the park for himself and his new wife. Being
young and wealthy Sir Thomas employed the best, most fashionable
architect of the time – James Wyatt. His house – Heaton Hall – and the other magnificent buildings that Wyatt and his family designed can still be seen around the park.
Sir Thomas employed William Eames, a follower of Capability Brown, to create a landscape
to show off his new mansion. This was reworked in the early 19th
century by John Webb, a pupil of Eames; and it was at that time
that the park was enclosed with the 4-mile long wall. Smithy Lodge and Grand Lodge were built then too.
The 2nd Earl of Wilton added the splendid chimney stacks and the Orangery to Heaton Hall around 1820.
Heaton Park remained in the Egerton family until 1902 when the 5th Earl
of Wilton sold it to the Manchester Corporation for £230,000. The
Corporation provided many public facilities and it quickly became a
popular people's park. Throughout the 20th century thousands came to Heaton Park, but not only for relaxation, it was the setting for more serious activities too.
At the end of the 20th century the park was restored in a partnership between the Heritage Lottery Fund
and Manchester City Council. The HLF grant enabled the Council to
recreate the Eames and Webb landscape around the Hall and to restore
four of the Wyatt designed listed buildings.
Heaton Park is
listed Grade 2 on the English Heritage Register of Parks and there are
nine listed structures in the park. Details can be found on the English Heritage website.