Birkenhead Park

A famous public park, designed by Joseph Paxton in 1844. It was the first time that land for a public park was acquired by Act of Parliament and the park was financed from the profit on the surrounding houses. The famous American landcape architect, Frederick Law Olmsted, remarked that 'we have nothing like this in democratic America'. The serpentine carriage drive was however gated and used for carriages. For such a famous place, the appearance is disappointing. There is a tree belt, lakes, clumps and park buildings. But there is too much mown grass. It is worth noting that the park plan was drawn by J C Loudon's admiring assistant, John Robertson.