Urn On Path Approx. 110M To North-West Of Bandstand

The urn located on the path approximately 110 meters to the north-west of the Bandstand in Royal Victoria Park is an elaborate solid urn from the 18th century, made of Bath limestone. It features writhing serpents on each side that curve from the shoulder to the flat top. The lip and base of the urn are gadrooned, while the shoulder is decorated with intertwining leaves over a basket weave frieze. The recessed cylindrical shaft has acanthus leaf scrolls flanking a raised circle on one side and dancing figures on the other. The urn rests on a narrow, gadrooned circular base, which is supported by a three-stepped square plinth on a larger three-stepped circular plinth.

The exact date when this urn was introduced into the park is unknown, and it has become detached from its original pedestal. It is a good example of the types of wares produced in significant quantities by 18th-century mason yards, which were often exported to other parts of the country. Victoria Park was established in 1830 on the former Barton Fields, an area of common land, and was opened by the Duchess of Kent along with her daughter, Princess Victoria, on October 23rd, 1830. It was the first municipal park in the country.