Memorial Details
Memorial
Readhead Park 1914-18
Reference
H104.05
Place
HARTON
Map ref
NZ 372656
Original Location
At corner of cemetery approach and St. George’s Avenue.
Which war
1914-18
Dedication, Creation or Publication date
Opened 18th May 1923 by Alderman Robert Readhead, son of the donor of the land.
Memorial Description
Park covering between 7-8 acres.
There is a memorial made of concrete 3 feet 2 inches high x 2 feet 2 inches wide 965mm x 660mm) set on a plinth 4 feet square. Inserted into the front is a plaque 2 feet 4 inches high x 8 inches wide (711mm x 204mm) curved to look like a scroll. The lettering is in raised Roman capitals.
There is a memorial made of concrete 3 feet 2 inches high x 2 feet 2 inches wide 965mm x 660mm) set on a plinth 4 feet square. Inserted into the front is a plaque 2 feet 4 inches high x 8 inches wide (711mm x 204mm) curved to look like a scroll. The lettering is in raised Roman capitals.
Materials used
Concrete memorial, copper plaque.
Inscription
of South Shields
Robert Readhead Park
This park was presented by
Alderman Robert Readhead J.P.
to the Town Council of
South Shields for the purpose
of public pleasure grounds by
deed of gift dated 20th April 1923
Opened to the public on the
3rd May 1923 by
Robert Readhead Esq., M.A. (Oxon)
(Son of the donor)
Edward Smith
Mayor
John Lawson
Chairman of Parks &
Cemeteries Committee
Names
None
Notes
1. Alderman Redhead gave the land as a thanksgiving for peace and victory "on condition that certain work was done on adjoining roads by unemployed ex-servicemen".
2. The park is of medium size with bowling green and tennis courts.
3. This used to be south of Westoe Village but has been engulfed by the expansion of South Shields, which also incorporates Harton.
4. A later donation of £3,500 from Mr. Robert Readhead “will make possible the provision of a third bowling green, and a tennis pavilion for the seven courts yet to be opened”. This gift was in addition to the late Alderman’s gift.
2. The park is of medium size with bowling green and tennis courts.
3. This used to be south of Westoe Village but has been engulfed by the expansion of South Shields, which also incorporates Harton.
4. A later donation of £3,500 from Mr. Robert Readhead “will make possible the provision of a third bowling green, and a tennis pavilion for the seven courts yet to be opened”. This gift was in addition to the late Alderman’s gift.
Newspaper cuttings, photos or archival material
Photo of plaque: C.Sanders
Press reports ( No newspaper named) 01/07/1919; 12/08/1919; 21/08/1919
Illustrated Chronicle 15/07/1919 reports the donation of land for the park with picture.
Northern Echo 03/07/1919 reports donation of land.
Newcastle Weekly Chronicle 19/07/1919 has photo of proposed site; 23/08/1919 reports debate on road widening and light railway provision; 26/05/1923 reports further gift of £3,500.
Press reports ( No newspaper named) 01/07/1919; 12/08/1919; 21/08/1919
Illustrated Chronicle 15/07/1919 reports the donation of land for the park with picture.
Northern Echo 03/07/1919 reports donation of land.
Newcastle Weekly Chronicle 19/07/1919 has photo of proposed site; 23/08/1919 reports debate on road widening and light railway provision; 26/05/1923 reports further gift of £3,500.
External web link
Links to Source Material :
Research acknowledgements
Fitzhugh Collection, Middleton in Teesdale; C. Sanders; Dorothy Hall
Research In Progress
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Readhead Park 1914-18 (H104.05)
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Parish Notes
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