Monument record 1698/0/5 - Bandstand, Abington Park

A late 19th-century bandstand constructed between 1883 and 1899. Cropmarks of a surrounding octagonal enclosure are visible c18m from the structure. This enclosure is depicted on historic Ordnance Survey maps. Locally listed building.

{1} Bandstand with feature enclosing it; presumably Victorian or later date; feature shows as a clear 8-sided figure in parchmarks; each side is parallel to sides of bandstand itself & each side measures approximately 18m & is located 18m away from bandstand; parchmark is clearest to south-east where circular posthole-type marks are located at each corner; also 6 small elongated rectilinear marks were present in between corners & possibly represent location of railings; also possible parchmark of path leading up to bandstand from ESE;

{3} Shows structures complete with surrounding hexagonal enclosure.

{4} "As for the bandstand nearby, the lovely Victorian structure nearby didn't survive. In 1912 it was suggested that a new bandstand was needed.
Bandmasters advised that the most efficient acoustic form was a 'shell' design that would at last allow orchestras featuring strings to perform here, and would similarly enable the committee to book solo singers, choirs and speakers, inaudible until then. Costing £600 the stand was to be erected with its back to trees near what today is a small mound of earth. The stage was to be elevated 5'6" from the ground and the proscenium was to be garlanded with living foliage. The proposals sparked controversy, but before it could be constructed the First World War broke out."

{5} Erected when the park was opened in 1897.

<1> Cadman G.E., 1994, SMR Report Form, (checked) (Report). SNN50051.

<2> Ordnance Survey, 1899, Second Edition OS 6 Inch Mapping Series (45NW), (checked) (Map). SNN45307.

<3> , 1920, Third Edition, (checked) (Map). SNN45315.

<4> Burman, A., 2004, Still Growing into History, (unchecked) (Article). SNN104707.

<5> Perkins, P, Whittaker, R and Denton, A, 2022, A Guide to the Industrial Heritage of Northamptonshire, p. 66/ Site 289 (Book). SNN113793.

<6> West Northamptonshire Council, 2024, Local Heritage List, November 2024, p. 27 (Report). SNN116732.

Record last edited

Mar 5 2025 12:24PM