Gate Piers, Gates And Walls To Williamson Park

The gate piers, gates, and walls to Williamson Park in Lancaster were constructed in 1880. They are made of sandstone ashlar and feature cast and wrought-iron gates. The main gate piers are square in shape, with moulded bases and fluted pilasters that have rosettes carved into their friezes. They are topped with stones that have semicircular shapes and fan-like carvings. On either side of the main entrance are pedestrian gates with moulded semicircular arches that spring from moulded imposts, featuring carved keystones and spandrel decorations. The outer sides of these pedestrian entrances also have fluted pilasters, with a moulded cornice and blocking course above. The friezes on the piers are inscribed with 'WILLIAMSON' and 'PARK 1880'.

Low stone walls with an S-plan extend from each side, which originally supported railings that have since been removed. Between these walls are rectangular piers with cornices and sunken panels. Cast-iron lamps remain on the outer piers, with the right lamp broken and the left retaining its glass globe. The pedestrian gates are adorned with roundels and are cross-braced with a central boss featuring foliage decoration. The central gates are bordered with roundels and display shields of arms in the centres of their upper panels.

Williamson Park was developed on the site of former quarries and moorland. Initial development began during the Cotton Famine of the 1860s, but significant work started in the 1870s when James Williamson (Senior) funded the landscaping, designed by Mr. Maclean of Castle Donnington. The park was handed over to Lancaster Corporation by James Williamson (Junior) in 1881.