In 1896 Leamington Borough Council purchased two parcels of land in the town: the former Parr & Wisden cricket ground which eventually became Victoria Park, and Ladder Bridge Field which became Eagle Recreation Ground. An advertisement placed in the Leamington Courier by the Estate Agent, Anthony Locke, announced the sale of the field, belonging to … Read more
Many sports have taken place in the town over the years from Bowls, both Local, National and International, to Cricket, to Real Tennis, Lawn Tennis, Football and Darts. Forgive me anyone who thinks their sport should have had a mention! I was intrigued when I found a number of images in the Archives showing Archery … Read more
On Saturday, 15 March 2019, the newly renovated Pump Room Gardens Bandstand was opened officially by Councillor Steven Cross, Chairman of Warwick District Council and Archie Pitts, who masterminded the Heritage Lottery Fund bid to refurbish the Pump Room Gardens. The ceremony, introduced by the Cubbington Silver Band, was followed by a short presentation in … Read more
Many Leamington people, and people from further afield, look back with fond memories of the floral clock that was in the Jephson Gardens from 1951 until, as far as I know, the mid 1990s. Below is the Leamington Spa Courier report of the handover and a number of images of the clock itself.The handing over … Read more
The Gardens. The gardens themselves are, of course, the main reason for visiting them. However, over the years, the gardens have been enhanced by the erection (and occasional replacement or removal) of several buildings. The word “building” has been given a wide meaning in this article. The Gardens were the private woodland and garden of the … Read more
(Wiki Commons) A. Tachbrook Road This was a 9 hole golf course owned by Dennis G Gulliman, with the idea that people could choose to play one round or pay extra to go round twice. At first it was open just three days a week, but it got so popular that it opened six days … Read more
Now Royal Leamington Spa is well known for where Tennis was started and developed on the lawns of the Manor House Hotel, but how about this for a bit of history that few people appreciate took place. If you were to enter the Jephson Gardens through the main side gates on Newbold Terrace, and turn … Read more
This article is based upon an interview with Mr Harold Wragg, Nursery Manager, by Nicola Brooks in 1991. Nicola Brooks interviewed Harold Wragg, nursery manager, in 1991 as part of her studies for a Teaching Diploma in Museum and Gallery Education at Warwick University. This article reviews the issues raised during the conversation. Harold said … Read more
Leamington Cricket Club, Arlington Avenue The present Leamington cricket club was founded on 21 February 1899 at a meeting held in the Town Hall under the chairmanship of the Mayor Gordon L Bland, a patron of several local sporting associations. He became the first President of the club but soon relinquished the post in favour … Read more
New Street burial ground was opened once the graveyard at the Parish Church was deemed to be full. The ground, an area of 2154 square yards in the historic centre of the (then) new Leamington, was presented to the parish by Mrs Wise and her son Matthew Wise of Shrubland Hall. It was consecrated on … Read more
The large tracts of permanent pasture to the west and south of the new town of Leamington, formerly given over to sheep and cattle grazing since medieval times, were prime fox hunting country. Writing in 1841 the distinguished travel writer Dr Augustus Granville had this to say about Leamington … “The neighbourhood may be of … Read more
ONE OF OUR EARLY ARTICLES As 19th Century Leamington metamorphosed from village into prestigious spa town, and eminent medical men advised exercise in addition to taking the waters, many sports associations sprang up here. Leamington could boast a Real Tennis Club, the first venue for Lawn Tennis (on the site of the present Manor Court … Read more
Contact the Secretary, Margaret Rushton: secretary@leamingtonhistory.co.uk
November 6, 2026
October 31, 2026
October 31, 2026