Park Mafeking South Africa 1899-1902 Station Bank

Mafeking Park (mini-roundabout at foot of Station Bank)

South Africa 1899-1902.

Plot christened on the day Morpeth celebrated the Relief of Mafeking: 17th May 1900.

Trees already there donated by Mathesons, nurserymen of Morpeth.

None

Park.

1. The names of the thirty men who served are gleaned from researches, plus further information including rank and regiment.

2. Pretoria Avenue was also given its name to commemorate the South African War, as was the now-demolished Alma Place.

3. On the return of the first batch of volunteers from South Africa in 1901, the route for the torchlight procession included Mafeking Park.

4. There has been an attempt in recent years to have this designated by the Guinness Book of Records as “The Smallest Park in the World”.

5. At the naming of the park, shrubs were added to the grass and trees already there. Three further seats were added by Rev. H.J. Bulkeley to the one placed there. Shortly afterwards the area was fenced and lit by gas-lamp.

6. This was originally a small triangular park situated at the meeting of Station Bank where it joined the main road into the town. It was situated next to the town rubbish dump which was finally grassed over and called the Farquhar Deuchar Park. Mafeking Park itself was reduced in size and is now a minis-roundabout.

7. A certificate was awarded to “Pte. George Green, 1st Volunteer Service Battalion, Northumberland Fusiliers.
Dear Sir. The burgesses and inhabitants of the Borough of Morpeth desire to place on record their high appreciation of your patriotism in volunteering for active service in the Boer War in South Africa. They congratulate you upon your safe and victorious return. Your gallant conduct on the field of action, your devotion to duty and your exemplary behaviour at all times during the campaign have endeared you to your officers, comrades and fellow townsmen. This Address of Welcome accompanied by a sum of money is presented to you as a slight token of the admiration and esteem in which you are held and we hope that in the evening of your days you may look back upon a well spent life and regard this occasion as not the least pleasant of your reminiscences. May 1901. Norman Gillespie, Mayor. Francis Brumell, Town Clerk.”

Morpeth Herald
15/09/1900 reports 3 seats given by the Rector of Morpeth and that Surveyor had named the spot Mafeking Park as the Mayor planted shrubs on Mafeking Day.

A.H. Tweddle;
Janet Brown;
Tony Harding;
Colin at The Little Bookshop, Morpeth (now closed)

If you are researching this memorial please contact 2014@newmp.org.uk