Covers an area of 63 acres

Please note that this text is an extract from a reference work written in 1990.  As a result, some of the content may not reflect recent research, changes and events.

b) CLOCK TOWER: The impressive red-brick and terracotta clock tower was erected at the expense of Edward White, who laid the foundation stone on 13 August 1891; it was inaugurated on 17 June 1892 by the mayor, Sir Joseph Ewart. Designed by borough surveyor Francis May, it is decorated with four broken pediments supported by Corinthian columns, and dolphin motifs with the initials EW. It bears the following delightful rhyme: ‘Here I stand with all my might To tell the hour day and night. Therefore example take by me And serve thy God as I serve thee’.

c) CORONATION GARDEN FOR THE BLIND: Lying to the south of Preston Manor , this area of the park was laid out in Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation year, 1953, as a scented garden, a gift to the blind from the corporation and their many other friends throughout the borough. The roof of the small shelter is made of 400-year-old Horsham stone originally from the roof of LyminsterChurch.

d) CYCLING TRACK and CRICKET GROUND: Covering nine acres, the cricket ground was laid out in 1887 on the International Gun Polo Club grounds, and was opened on 12 May 1887 by the mayor, Edward Reeves. There is terraced seating in the north-eastern corner and the whole arena can accommodate many thousands. Indeed, regular crowds of 3,000 to 5,000 were attracted for cycle meetings after the Second World War, and a record attendance of 8,000 saw world champion Reg Harris on 4 August 1952. The simple wooden grandstand, which seats about 500, was opened on 18 October 1930 by the mayor, Horace Aldrich, and was paid for partly by a gift of Benjamin Saunders. The arena has also been used for athletics meetings, including the 1925 England v.  France international, and was used by many famous international athletes for training when visiting the country. The track is now approximately 625 yards long. The cricket pavilion bears a cricketers’ war memorial.

Any numerical cross-references in the text above refer to resources in the Sources and Bibliography section of the Encyclopaedia of Brighton by Tim Carder.

Comments about this page

  • We played often in Preston Park and these photos brought back many happy memories. There was an old oak tree with large roots which we played around, this was our ‘house’. We also spent many hours climbing on the clock tower! My aunt still lives opposite the park.

    I also remember watching the Brighton Lions festival parade and following along to the park where my sister took part in the dog show with my nan’s poodle, Sherry.

    By Amanda Tidey (18/04/2019)

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