History notes: 1893-1987

John George Blaker made a gift of the park in 1893 to the people of Brighton. He had bought many pieces of land to the east of Preston Manor from Ellen Stanford some of which he sold on for development. The creation of the Park in preference to more housing development enhanced the area for home dwellers and its no coincidence that John Blaker built his own home on the Stanford Avenue, adjacent to the park.

Great Storm damage in 1987
After the last War the park was landscaped – only holly and ash trees remained from the original planting. The larger ash trees were lost in the hurricane of 1987. The park has always been used by children and adults alike for promenading, playing and enjoying the green open spaces. Its popularity remains strong – local people continue to use the tennis courts and open space.

Comments about this page

  • Was John George Blaker, Lord Blaker? If so he was a friend of my great grandfather who was a bespoke tailor in Hove around 1880. My grandmother was named after him (Annie Blaker Barber).

    By John Andrews (16/08/2005)
  • John George Blaker 1854-1926 was a Sir not a Lord.  You may be thinking of Lord Peter Blaker, no relation.  Sir John was my grandfather’s uncle.

    By Josie Campbell (03/10/2006)
  • Lord Peter Blaker was a minister in Margaret Thatcher’s government so hardly likely that John’s grandmother was named after him.  I would hazard a guess that the title has been muddled with the passing of time.

    By Geneologius (10/01/2007)
  • My mum used to take me to Blakers Park during the 1950’s, spent many a happy time there. We used to walk from Shaftesbury Place.

    By John Pope (Rowbotham) (26/05/2008)
  • My childhood was spent in this park, climbing the trees, playing tennis and just having fun with my friends. Also taking out the children from the nursery close by to play in the park, (wouldn’t be allowed today though, I was only about 13) and just hanging out for a natter. Happy days!

    By Pam Barnes (26/04/2011)
  • I kicked a ball about in the park and had a go at cricket in 1938.  And the day the war started in 1939 us lads were in the park helping to fill sand bags.  When the air raid sirens went on that day we were all sent home just in case.  The World War I tank was at the top of the park and this was removed along with the iron railings round it together with all the other rails in the park.  I think some of the park was dug over to grow food in the war years.

    By John Booker (13/07/2016)
  • My great grandmother was Edith Ellen Blaker,(1891-1918).
    Edith and John had a daughter(my grandmother) Dorothy Blaker(1912-1969).

    By John sutton (01/09/2023)

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