Piers, Gates, Railings, Plinths And Steps To Hedgemead Park

The piers, gates, railings, plinths, and steps at the south-east corner of Hedgemead Park were constructed around 1889, possibly designed by T.B. Silcock, who was responsible for the layout of the park. These features descend steeply down approximately 300 metres from the north end of Guinea Lane.

The materials used include limestone and cast iron. The exterior showcases thick bull-nose plinth steps that descend in twenty-two steps to London Street. Each step is flanked by railing panels topped with fleur-de-lys finials above two horizontal upper rails, with short rails between the main rails. Vertical scrolled cast iron piers on the left side of each panel have scrolled tops with urn finials. The pedestrian entrance from Guinea Lane features a central panel similar to the gate, along with panelled stone piers that have cornices and square ogee-domed caps.

Opposite No. 38 Paragon, the double gates resemble the pedestrian gate and are supported by square plan cast iron panelled piers topped with spikes and large flattened spherical ball finials on blocks on cornices. To the left of the stone entrance, there are ten level panels along London Street, which include a shallow pediment, cornice, and eared architrave, although this is now blocked. To the right, a single level panel ends at a tall stone pier with a cornice and lintel frieze, marking the base of a long flight of steps leading to Upper Hedgemead Road.

Historically, Hedgemead Park was established as a public garden following several landslips that destroyed around 135 houses in the area, highlighting the instability of the land for housing. The Hedgemead Pleasure Ground was opened in 1889 after being acquired by the Corporation.