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Taylor Park - The Legacy of Water
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Taylor Park - The Legacy of Water
Location: St Helens
Part of the Taylor Family wealth came from the sale of water rights. The indenture wherein Samuel Taylor purchased land from the Duchy of Lancaster outlined the assets provided by the purchase which included a copious supply of fresh water.
The 'sheets' of water were an excellent source of revenue for the estate and they have a page of local history to themselves.
Obviously their existence meant benefits for the farming community overseen by the Taylors and through time the water rights were passed on to a number of different concerns. Chief amongst these concerns were, the waterways companies, millers, Pilkington's Glass and United Utilities providing water for the borough.
Since 1893, when much of the water fell under the environs of the Taylor Park the legacy of water has been to the advantage of the park users.
It's use was put to leisure activities such as boating, bathing, fishing and the observation of water life.
Today, several sheets of water are notable within the park. These include:
THE PADDOCK - probably the quietest spot in the park though adjacent to Factory land, this stretch of water is managed by St. Helens Ramblers. The water is surrounded by woodland and a small race overflows water into,
LEG 'O' MUTTON - a well stocked Private fishing lake. An interesting feature of this lake is an old pump house which has a solid stone roof. The water is managed by St. Helens fishing Club.
DIPPING POOL - Alongside the Leg o' Mutton is the old borough nursery. Within this area which has been reclaimed from wilderness, the Rangers, aided by student groups, are constructing a pond-dipping feature. In time they hope to have an all-weather walkway around the pool which will create an excellent pond study base.
THE BIG DAM - The central feature of Taylor Park, this stretch of water is more open than others and attracts a large number of waterfowl such as Canada Geese, Mallard and Coot. In the early days of the Park, this was the centre of leisure as young men and fathers would perspire profusely as they rowed their hire boats around the lake and hoped to be at the far side when the boatman cried 'time.' Later came the Queen Mary, known as the steamer which carried large numbers of people around the lake. This lake has provided a large amount of pleasure and peril through the ages. Today apart from use by the waterfowl, the lake is only used for educational activities and is one area where the public can fish with a local rod licence.
THE PADDLING LAKE -. In it's time, thousands would paddle in this pool and picnickers would line the banks. During cold winters it was a fine spot for ice-skaters.
THE OAK WOOD POND - Crossed by a wooden walkway, this small pond is an attractive feature of the Oak Wood. An excellent example of the Rangers' workmanship the pool is fringed with reed and water iris.
ST ANNE'S WELL - One of Taylor Park's secrets, St Anne's Well from which, as legend has it, local nuns drew healing water, remains an enigma. The well was visited by many sailors from Liverpool who found it's cleansing powers soothed salt water infections. Some argue that the well is now covered by a patch of grass at the bottom of St Anne's Road while others say it is at the Eccleston entrance to the Park. It is also said that the stone well head stands in the grounds of Eccleston Hall. One could add 'water divining' to the list of park activities.
In his report to the St Helens Corporation, the consultant garden designer, John Shaw said the following about the park's water features.
"The plentiful supply of water, as I have before mentioned and
The extent of the Great Dam, may, by judicious management
be made a fine feature in adding to the beauty of these grounds
.............. There will be no difficulty in regard to the drainage there
being sufficient fall from all parts of the grounds to the lakes the
outlets from which are already provided for."
The first prosecution for illegal fishing in a public park at St. Helens took place at the local police court shortly after the new park was opened. The local newspaper reported:-
'The case was brought before Messrs. W. Tyrer and B.A. Dromgoole.
The defendant was a youth named James Barnes, residing at 21 Cyril Street, and the park-keeper deposed that he had caught the lad fishing in the Leg-of-Mutton Dam of the new Taylor Park.
Mr. Dromgoole J.P: ‘The fishing rights have been recently transferred?’
Chief Constable Wood: ‘Yes sir’
Mr. Dromgoole J.P: ‘Then he might not be aware of it. Did you catch anything?’
Defendant: ‘No sir. I had no hook on’
(Laughter)
The Clerk: ‘Had you a pin?’
(Laughter)
Defendant did not reply. The Bench remarked that: ‘as this was the first case of the kind’ they would dismiss it.'
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