South Park has been an important green space in Darlington since the 17th century, when it was left to the people of the town by James Bellasses.
In 1851 under the influence of the first park committee; which included members of the powerful Backhouse family and George (The Rocket) Stephenson’s brother Joseph, the park became known as South Park.
South Park has a long and varied history with many of the Victorian monuments still in the park for a new generation to enjoy.
Fothergill Fountain….A Tale of Temperance and Tragedy
The Fothergill Fountain was originally placed on Bondgate in 1861 in memory of Doctor John Fothergill, a champion of abstinence in the town. He was well known for his anti-alcohol stance and had formed the Total Abstinence Society.
One of his members, Dickey Turner had a speech impediment causing him to stammer when speaking, so when he declared he would be ‘‘T-t-total for ever and ever’’ he coined the phrase ‘Teetotal’.
The fountain leaked and made the dirt roads ankle-deep with mud so the fountain was moved to South Park in 1875. Septimus Herd won the competition to design the memorial fountain. He never lived to see his fountain because he died in a bathing accident at Redcar Beach, but it can be seen at the main gates on Parkside to this day.
The Grotto Garden…The Grey Lady Jarret
‘This lady, who in violence died,
Left her blood that none could hide,
Her desolate vigil still to keep,
When Darlington folk are sound asleep.’
The Grey Lady who haunts the Grotto Garden in the park met a grisly end when she was attacked by rogue mercenary soldiers.
Left alone in the Bishop’s Palace the Grey Lady was taking in the night air when soldiers attacked her and demanded her fortune. She tried to run away but could not escape them.
The soldiers saw a sparkling ring on her finger but could not get it off her hand. Knowing that her guards would soon be coming to help, they cut her arm off, took the ring and ran away, never to be seen again.
The Grey Lady was fatally wounded in the attack and the great arch where she died is still in the Grotto Garden. On dark nights you can see her glide across the River Skerne, lamenting her unfair fate.
Bandstand…Polkas, Princesses and Brass bands
In 1882 the South Park’s first bandstand was erected for £250. It was made by Walter Macfarlane and Co of Glasgow. The design was very popular and could also be seen in parks in Stockton, Ripon, Stranraer and Bo'ness.
On July 4 1893, the day of the opening of South Park’s bandstand, conductor James Aloysius Hoggart had composed a special polka to celebrate the marriage of Her Serene Highness, Princess Victoria Mary Augusta Louise Olga Pauline Claudine Agnes of Teck and George the Duke of York (later George 5th). Unfortunately no one could tell what the tune was and although the music exists today, we don’t get many requests!
During the 2003 restoration project the bandstand was restored using the original 279 pattern, although it cost 19 times the original £250 to restore the roof alone!