The Lincoln Arboretum is more than just a green space; it is a testament to the Victorian era’s growing recognition of the need for public leisure. Following the Lincoln Commons Act of 1870, the Lincoln Corporation purchased Monks Leys Common for the building of housing for Lincoln's booming population. Towns and cities throughout the country were recognising the leisure needs of their people, Lincoln was no exception in this and in 1870 undertook to provide a public park in what was to become a densely populated part of the City. Temple Gardens, although privately owned, had been used as a public park on an informal basis. Joseph Mawer Collingham, a son of the founder of the department store, Joseph Collingham, bought Temple Gardens in 1863 and built his new house on Lindum Road on the south side of Temple Gardens. Read more about Temple Gardens here.
Designing a Masterpiece
The city commissioned renowned landscape gardener Edward Milner (1819-84) to design the grounds. Milner was already well-known in the area for his work on the design of the grounds of Hartsholme Hall in 1862.
To fund the development, three acres of the common were sold. Milner’s original vision included:
The West Gate Lodge and Tea Room: Still standing at the Monks Road entrance.
A Grand Pavilion: Located at the first flight of steps, this structure was sadly demolished in 1948 following years of neglect.
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| The West Gate Lodge and Tea Room |
A Grand Opening to Remember
The Arboretum officially opened in August 1872. Its importance to the community cannot be overstated—25,000 people attended the opening ceremony, an incredible figure considering Lincoln’s total population at the time was just under 27,000!
The crowds were treated to a spectacular variety of Victorian entertainment, including:
Professor Renzo’s Performing Dogs.
A hot air balloon ascent by "Midland aeronaut" Mr. Emmanuel Jackson.
Brass band recitals and a ladies' choir from Liverpool.
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| The Arboretum Lion Dave Hitchborne / The Lion, The Arboretum, Lincoln / |
Iconic Landmarks
Over the years, several features were added that became synonymous with the park:
The Arboretum Lion: Presented in 1872 by F J Clarke, a local chemist. This Coade stone statue was crafted by Austin & Seeley of London.
The Bandstand & Shelter: Brass band concerts were so popular that by 1884, a permanent bandstand and a cast-iron shelter (built by Lockerbie and Wilson) were erected. By 1889, these concerts attracted upwards of 40,000 attendees!
The Coronation Fountain: Erected in 1911 to commemorate the new water supply from Elkesley, Nottinghamshire.
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| The Bandstand erected in 1884 |
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| The Grand Pavilion |
Growth and Expansion
The park has grown significantly since its inception, now covering 21 acres (8.8 hectares):
1894: Nathaniel Clayton Cockburn donated land to the northwest, which was designed by Milner’s son, Henry Ernest Milner.
1953: The site of the former "Cold Bath House" (a nursing home bombed during WWII) was landscaped and added to the park to celebrate the Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II. The natural spring that gave the house its name was converted into the water feature seen today.
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| A fountain was erected in 1911 to celebrate the turning on of the new water supply from Elkesley in Nottinghamshire. |
The Arboretum Today
After over a century of use, the park underwent a massive £3 million renovation in 2002/3 to restore it to its original Victorian glory, ensuring that Edward Milner’s vision remains a jewel of Lincoln for generations to come.