The History of Gloucester Park
First we must go back to when the ground on which Gloucester Park now sits was called Rigney Stile and part of
Barton Hill. Rigney Stile had a house or houses, outbuildings an orchard and also encompassed Long Leaze
or Long Meadow.
In 1811 springs were discovered and a gentleman by the name of Sir James Jelf bought ground to the west of
Rigney Stile (now Spa Rd) and sank wells. In 1812 he acquired more ground on the field and built a Spa along
with a pump room and hot and cold baths. He also laid out walks, one of which ran to Barton Street. In 1815 the
Spa Rooms were opened to subscribers, but it wasn’t long before Sir Jelf was made bankrupt.
The importance of the Spa to the city was noticed and a group of shareholders paid £6,500 to buy it. They added
further amenities and sold off adjoining land and building work took place in the immediate area in 1818.
They built a hotel, later to become the Judges’ Lodgings, and smart terraces.
A physician by the name of Dr John Baron recommended the waters for its iodine content and the Spa was at its
most popular in the 1820s, but by 1829 was loosing favour with the public.
At about the same time, Rignum Villa was built and a rich merchant named William Price took up residence. Later
it was named Rikenel and had a large garden to the south and north running along what is now Park Rd. The front
garden is now a car park for a health centre. The garden at the back went as far as the gate behind the fountains.
The railway line that ran at the back of the Spa Rooms (now Trier way) in 1848 did little to help so in 1861 the
proprietors transferred the property to the city corporation who were, at that time, planing a public park.
The corporation of also took hold of Rignum Stile Field and the majority of Lower Barton Field.
The Park opened in 1862 for the recreation of the people and many sporting clubs also sprang up.
In 1863 The Gloucester Cricket Club used the Spa Ground and built the first of its pavilions. The same year a gymnastic
society was formed and athletic events were held. It is interesting to note that the swimming events took place in the
canal. A bowling club was established and a public area for Tennis appeared.
In 1915 the Tennis Courts were moved to Bakers Field in Parkend Road which is now a child’s skateboard area.
Private benefactors paid for a bandstand on the southern field. Later another bandstand was built in the northern field. It
was a rare example of a George V bandstand, but was demolished in 2009. A fountain which stood in Eastgate Market
was moved to the Park in 1863. It is still there today, but is not working as a fountain.
Research by John of the Old Gloucester Site.
* The wells were Chalybeate which means they contained Iron. In 1926 the springs were closed following contamination.
* The baths were connected to the city water mains and removed in 1894.