Lichfield in Staffordshire, England, United Kingdom — Northwestern Europe (the British Isles)

Promenades and Pleasure Gardens

— Lichfield Heritage Trail —

Photographed by Ray Gurganus, May 11, 2026

1. Promenades and Pleasure Gardens Marker

Inscription. In the Victorian period, work and household chores were very time consuming and leisure time was scarce. However, when there was down time people would flock to parks and pleasure gardens.

The main parks in Lichfield developed along the line of medieval pools that separated the cathedral and The Close from the commercial centre of the city. This chain of parks, pools and open spaces remains a unique and attractive part of Lichfield today.

Beacon Park
In 1859 the section of Beacon Park known as Museum Gardens opened to the public. The recreation grounds further to the west opened by 1891 and as recreational pursuits became more active, tennis courts and a bowling green were added.

In 1943 Lieutenant Colonel Swinfen Broun gave 12 acres of land, which ir allowed football pitches, a golf course and children's playground to be added to the park. As you walk through Museum Gardens you will discover monuments in honour of historical figures, including Staffordshire born, Commander Smith the Captain of RMS Titanic and King Edward VII. A monument to Swinfen Broun is beside the pavilion. The ornamental fountain

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was donated by JT Law, the diocesan chancellor, in 1871.

Today
Beacon Park offers a variety of activities including crazy golf, tennis, golf and bowling Over the summer months there are bouncy slides, boating and more. The park is also a venue for a number of popular events throughout the year, see www.visitlichfield.co.uk for the latest information.

Erected by Lichfield District Council. (Marker Number 5.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Parks & Recreational Areas. A significant historical year for this entry is 1859.

Location. 52° 41.017′ N, 1° 49.886′ W. Marker is in Lichfield, England, in Staffordshire. It is at the intersection of Bird Street and Swan Road, on the left when traveling north on Bird Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: Bird Street, Lichfield, England WS13 6NP, United Kingdom. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the Midlands.

Globally, it is on the Atlantic Ocean,

in the North Atlantic Region,

in Europe,

in Atlantic Europe,

on one of the British Isles,

in the Western World,

and in the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds

Captain Edward John Smith of the RMS Titanic image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Ray Gurganus, May 11, 2026

2. Captain Edward John Smith of the RMS Titanic

itself in what was once the Roman Empire.

Other nearby markers. At least 6 other markers are within 24 kilometers of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Commander Edward John Smith RD RNR (1850-1912) (about 90 meters away, measured in a direct line); Edward Wightman Memorial (approx. 0.2 kilometers away); Theatres and Thespians (approx. 0.4 kilometers away); St Editha's Church (approx. 10.8 kilometers away); Aethelflaed (approx. 11 kilometers away); Great Western Arcade (approx. 22.9 kilometers away).

King Edward VII image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Ray Gurganus, May 11, 2026

3. King Edward VII

Lichfield Recreational Grounds with statue of Edward VII image. Click for full size.

circa 1930

4. Lichfield Recreational Grounds with statue of Edward VII

Credits. This page was last revised on August 26, 2026. It was originally submitted on August 26, 2026, by Ray Gurganus of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 9 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on August 26, 2026, by Ray Gurganus of Washington, District of Columbia. 4. submitted on August 26, 2026. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.