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A Brief History of the Park
It was the Public Health Act of 1875 which paved the way
for Taunton Borough Council to purchase the land which is
now known as Vivary Park (including tennis courts and pavilion)
in 1894 from the Kinglake family. Since 1851 the parkland
had been the venue for public events by permission of the
owners of the parkland, the Kinglake family who lived in Wilton
House which is behind the lake and is now a residential home
for the elderly.
The park occupies the site that in medieval times was the
fish farm or vivarium to supply food for the Episcopal table.
There are no visible remains of the lakes now, but this ancient
use lives on in the park's name "Vivary".
The purchase of the land for Vivary Park was completed in
December 1894 for the sum of £3,659. Early the following
year designs were prepared together with cost estimates amounting
to £5,698. The park was laid out in 1895. The front
gates, bandstand and one shelter date from this time.
In 1902 the oak tree was planted close to the bandstand to
mark the coronation of Edward VII. The fountain was commissioned
as a memorial to the late Queen Victoria and was unveiled
in 1907. The war memorial dates from 1922 with a formal garden
centred around it with post and chain ivy swags and seats
placed in the bays of the semi circular path.
The boating pond and the National Rose Society Provincial
Trial Ground around the war memorial were added in the 1960s.
The model railway track was added in 1979 and the playground
next to the tennis courts in 1980.
General Information
Vivary park occupies an important strategic location at the
southern end of Taunton's High Street. If forms the northern
end of a wedge of open land that penetrates right in to the
centre of town. It is designated as a "district park"
in the Council's Green Spaces Strategy and is acknowledged
to be the flagship park for Taunton.
Vivary is the proud holder of a Green Flag Award from the
Civic Trust which reflects that it is managed to a nationally
acknowledged standard.
The Restoration in 2002
Taunton Deane Borough Council restored the park in 2001-2002
at a total cost of £750,000. The Heritage Lottery Fund
provided 75% of this money the rest being provided by the
Council. It was officially re-opened by Her Majesty Queen
Elizabeth II on 2 May 2002.
Sport and Health
Vivary Park provides a range of amenities to enjoy including
golf and tennis. The tennis courts are free of charge and
located at the southern end of the park behind the children's
play area. The golf course is a "pay and play" course
with details available from Tone Leisure the operator on tel
01823 333875 or website www.toneleisure.com. The bowling green
and indoor rinks are maintained by the Taunton Bowling Club
and are open to the public - details available on 01823 253899.
If you prefer the distance around the park is noted on the
information boards at the park's entrances. Brisk walking
is acknowledged as an excellent way to keep fit and there
are links on to the public footpath network from Ash Meadows
Lane at the rear of the park and from Wilton Lands.
Flower Beds and Borders
Trees, rose beds, shrub and herbaceous borders provide a green
framework to the park.In addition, each year many spring and
summer bedding plants are used to create the colourful floral
bedding displays. Although plant production has changed in
modern times the planting out is still done as it was some
hundred years previously - by hand.
The tradition of "bedding out" started when gardeners
wanted to show off the exotic plants, with bright coloured
flowers and interesting foliage, brought back by Victorian
plant collectors from abroad. Gardeners used the plants in
complex patterns in floral bed designs. The floral beds in
Vivary Park are excellent examples of this tradition.
Lake and Duck Feeding Area
The lake was built in the 1970s primarily in order to assist
with storm water retention but also to add an interesting
feature to the landscape. The ducks are a welcome attraction
and other water birds can be seen in the park including kingfishers,
moorhen and wagtails.
Peace and Tranquility
The park allows for peaceful reflection and offers opportunity
for relaxation and to enjoy the splendor of the park environment.
Take a seat and enjoy the surroundings created for you by
your predecessors.
Band Concerts and Events
The park is used as a venue for events that cater for a diverse
range of interest groups. Each year over thirty organised
events are held, some of these are small community events
whilst others cater for audiences of several thousands. Many
of the events are free to enjoy whilst larger events are usually
ticketed.
The Annual Taunton Flower Show, in August, remains by far
the largest event of the year, usually attracting around 20,000
visitors over two days. If you want to know more about other
events please contact Parks and Amenities on 01823 356347.
For
Vivary Park events listing click here
Friends of Vivary Park
Taunton in Bloom and Taunton Deane Borough Council believes
that friends groups, volunteers and the private sector can
all offer assistance to the Council in managing the park on
their behalf. Friends groups work on important projects to
help conserve and protect the park and to enhance the visitor's
experience.
The Friends of Vivary Park is an active group which welcomes
new members. Details are available from:
Taunton Deane Borough Council
Parks and Amenities
Priory Depot
Priory Way
Taunton
TA1 2BB
Telephone 01823 356347. Fax 01823 356490
Email Parks@tauntondeane.gov.uk
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