Lydekker Park

Lydekker Park is a small public park in Harpenden, Hertfordshire, in the St Albans district. It covers about 3 acres (1.2 ha) of open grass, mature trees, shrub beds and wildlife ponds, and it carries a story that is as much about memory as about green space.

What is Lydekker Park?

The park occupies land that once formed part of the garden of Harpenden Lodge, a house built in 1803. For many years the Lodge was home to the Lydekkers, one of the oldest families in the town. Today the former garden is a quiet corner for walking, sitting on a bench or letting children run across the lawns.

Why was the park created?

In 1937 Hilda Lydekker, the last surviving member of the family, made an agreement with the former Harpenden Urban District Council. The 11 acres (4.5 ha) of land attached to the Lodge were to become open space for the people of Harpenden. She intended it as a memorial to her two brothers and her fiancé, all of whom died in the First World War.

What happened to the original 11 acres?

Hilda Lydekker died in 1987. Her relatives then overturned the terms of her will and the land was sold for development. Only 3 of the original 11 acres remained as parkland, together with an adjoining car park that the Town Council leases at a peppercorn rent. The park opened to the public on 1 July 1998.

What can you see there?

The layout was designed by Peter Sensky, whose name appears on one of the seats. A board displays the poem "In Flanders Fields", a reminder of the First World War losses that inspired the original gift. Around the lawns you will find mature trees, planted shrub beds and wildlife ponds. The Town Council has also consulted the local history society about a new information board explaining the park's past.

Are there events in the park?

In summer the lawns host Music in Lydekker, an outdoor concert with food and drink vendors on site. It draws around 1,000 people of all ages.

Frequently asked questions

Where is Lydekker Park? In the centre of Harpenden, Hertfordshire, England, at roughly 51.82 N, 0.36 W.

How big is it? About 3 acres (1.2 ha).

Who was Hilda Lydekker? The last surviving member of the Lydekker family, who set out in 1937 for the Lodge's land to become open space as a memorial to her brothers and fiancé.

Is there parking? An adjoining car park is leased to the Town Council.

Is it free to enter? It is a public park open to everyone.