Pedestal To The North Of Royal Avenue To The Rear Of Brock Street

The pedestal located to the north of Royal Avenue, behind Brock Street, dates from the 18th century and is made of limestone. It features a circular base that once supported an urn, resting on a stepped plinth adorned with an acanthus leaf cornice. Each side of the pedestal is decorated with a carved laurel wreath and a moulded plinth. The specific urn that originally topped this pedestal is not known, but similar types were commonly produced by Bath masons in the 18th century, as seen in mid-18th century engravings of Prior Park. Victoria Park, where this pedestal is situated, was established in 1830 on the former Barton Fields, which was common land. It was inaugurated by the Duchess of Kent and her daughter, Princess Victoria, on October 23, 1830, making it the first municipal park in the country.