Rivers Gate To Royal Avenue From Queen'S Parade

Rivers Gate to Royal Avenue from Queen's Parade is a symmetrical pair of gatepiers and arches that originally served as gates, built in 1830 with later modifications by Edward Davis. Constructed from limestone ashlar, the lions atop the gatepiers are made of artificial stone, likely Coade stone. The two main gate piers for the carriage drive are square and over 6 meters high, featuring a cornice, banded rustication, and a plinth. Each pier has fluted blocks at the top corners beneath wide flat caps, which have stepped tops and lanterns. Short sections of wall, about 1 meter long, are pierced with four tall arched openings on each side. There are arched pedestrian entrances on either side with smaller piers, and evidence of former gates that are no longer present. At the top of the piers are a pair of affronted lions in artificial stone, each resting a paw on a ball, inspired by classical designs. The bases of the lions bear the inscription "PRESENTED BY C. GEARY ESQ."

Historically, this entrance is part of a cohesive group with the nearby war memorial designed by Blomfield, which was influenced by Davis's design. Some repairs to the gates appear to have been made around the same time as the memorial's construction, particularly to the upper sections. The lions, which date from 1833 and were originally said to be bronzed, were relocated from the Masonic Hall in York Street. Victoria Park, where this entrance is located, was established in 1830 on the former Barton Fields, an area of common land, and was opened by the Duchess of Kent and her daughter, Princess Victoria, on October 23rd, 1830, making it the first municipal park in the country.