Monument record MNN173646 - Victoria Gardens

Victoria Gardens was opened in 1877. It incorporated an outdoor skating rink and the outer walk was used for bicycle races. The gardens were redeveloped by the Northampton Brewery Company in 1887 and renamed Plough Gardens. The cycling track was renewed and a stand for 3,000 people erected. The site was redeveloped for housing from 1891 although the former tea house survives.

{1} Plan of 1871 depicts the extent of the property to be taken from the Master and Fellows of St John's Hospital for the construction of the Bedford and Northampton Railway. Much of this property forms the extent of Victoria Gardens.

{2} Victoria Gardens opened in 1877 by Henry Mulliner. The gardens included an open air, ashphalt skating rink which joined to the existing indoor rink and the outer walk of the gardens was used for bicycle races. The gardens were redeveloped by the Northampton Brewery Company in 1887 and renamed Plough Gardens (after the Plough Hotel which stood adjacent). The cycle track was renewed and a stand constructed. The gardens were closed and redeveloped for housing after 1891.

{3} The town plan depicts the skating rink at the west end of the gardens and the circular path around it, but does not show the tea house.
[Only the tea house survives.]

Ordnance Survey Map (Scale/date), Northampton town plan 1:500/1885 (Map). SNN112944.

<1> Dryden H.E.L., 1842-1895, Dryden Collection, DR/25/495 (Archive). SNN115.

<2> General reference for websites, https://oldvelodromes.co.uk/HTML%20tracks/427.html; Accessed 06/02/2026 (Website). SNN116607.

Record last edited

Feb 11 2026 1:13PM