Monument record 1160/274 - Franklins Gardens (formerly Melbourne Gardens)

Melbourne Gardens opened on the south side of Weedon Road in 1864. The 1885 Ordnance Survey map depicts a large bowling green, bear pit, pavilion and several statues. It was bought by John Campbell Franklin on Collier’s death in 1886 and was developed and expanded. The original ten acres was extended with the addition of another 20 acres and facilities included a ‘racecourse, bicycle track, cricket ground, swimming tank, bear pit, ornamental lake, improved monkey house and larger zoological garden’. The gardens were known as the ‘Champs Elysees’ of Northampton and trams ran from the town centre every few minutes. The Saints rugby team moved to the gardens in the 1880s. By 1925, Franklins Gardens had a football ground with stands, bowling green, tennis ground and band stand. A war memorial and hotel were also present.

{1, 2} Development from Melbourne Gardens depicted in 1885 to full extent of Franklins Gardens in 1939. The Franklins Gardens pub (now the Saints Store) and potentially the railings appear to have been built between 1925 and 1935.

{3} History of Franklin's Gardens [but sources unknown].

<1> Ordnance Survey Map (Scale/date), Town Plan (1:500/1885) (Map). SNN112944.

<2> Ordnance Survey Map (Scale/date), XLIV.12 (25"/1939) (Map). SNN112944.

<3> STAFFORD J., 1973, Old Northampton (Book). SNN54539.

Record last edited

Feb 11 2026 1:14PM