| Calthorpe Park | |
|---|---|
 The park in September 2009 | |
 | |
| Type | Public park |
| Location | Edgbaston,Birmingham,England |
| Coordinates | 52°27′37″N1°54′00″W / 52.4604°N 1.8999°W /52.4604; -1.8999 |
| Created | 1857 (1857) |
| Operated by | Birmingham City Council |
Calthorpe Park is apublic park inBirmingham, England, created in 1857 and managed byBirmingham City Council.[1]
The park lies in the Sparkbrook Ward ofEdgbaston,Birmingham, England.[1] It lies adjacent to and east of theA441 Pershore Road and a short distance south ofFive Ways junction and north ofEdgbaston Cricket Ground.
TheRiver Rea bisects the park, following south-west to north-east and crossed by two bridges.
The park takes its name from theCalthorpe family, whoseFrederick Gough, 4th Baron Calthorpe provided the land for its creation in 1857, from theCalthorpe Estate.[2][3] Thefreehold was signed over by his son, Augustus Gough-Calthorpe, 6th Baron Calthorpe, in 1894.[3]
The park was formally opened on 1 June 1857, byPrince George, Duke of Cambridge.[4] The opening ceremony, which featured atriumphal arch, was recorded in a painting bySamuel Lines Snr.[4]
After a lunch at theTown Hall, and arriving via a procession through the streets, the Duke, Lord Calthorpe, and the Mayor,John Ratcliffe, each planted aCedar tree.[5]
The event was followed by a dinner for the dignitaries and 250 guests at Bee's Royal Hotel,[5][6] as well as a free concert "for artisans" at the Town Hall, a free ball at a music hall in Coleshill Street and a free meal for 700 soldiers and pensioners atBingley Hall.[5] These events were funded by John Ratcliffe.[5]
A lodge-house sits at the north-western corner of the park. A bandstand formerly stood near to it.
An 1855 statue ofRobert Peel byPeter Hollins, which formerly stood in the park, is now outside the nearbyTally Ho! police training centre, although the original plinth is still in the park.
