Greville Smyth Park dates back to 1883 and was originally part of Ashton Court Estate.
The former owners of the Ashton Court Estate, Greville and Lady Smyth, donated the land in 1881. At the time, the park was named ‘The People’s Park at Bedminster’, but was locally known as Ashton Park - a name still used by some older locals to this day.
In 1902, the park was renamed Greville Smyth Park after Lady Greville donated more land after her husband’s death.
Before the creation of the park, Bristol had fallen behind its northern city rivals in the 19th-century, when park development was fuelled by industrial wealth and urban expansion, making Bristol the third most unhealthy city in England in the 1850s.
After considerable campaigning from citizens and the support of the local press, the council took active steps to create public parks.
Nowadays, many original features of the park have been removed such as the open-air swimming pool, a bandstand, iron railings and the fountain at the main entrance.
And some structures have remained in a different form like the first bowls clubhouse, a Victorian wood structure that was replaced by the 1930s clubhouse and football changing rooms – a building now in severe decline.
However, many significant landscape features reflecting its history remain and the park offers a quality recreational park for a variety of leisure and sports activities.
The local community group, Friends of Greville Smyth (FROGS), has been working on the development and promotion of the park and alongside Bristol City Council, introduced new play and youth facilities and organised popular community events.
Here are 19 photos from our visit to Greville Smyth Park:
1. Youth shelter
The Youth Shelter was funded by the Rotary Club of Bristol South to commemorate 100 years of Rotary International in 2005.
2. Tree swing
We came across a swing on a tree near the youth shelter.
3. Tennis court
The park has two tennis courts which are overseen by The Greville Smyth Tennis Club which runs regular lessons and league play. Adult membership costs less than £1 per week, and deals are available for families, children, unwaged and over-65s.
4. Pond
The wildlife pond is located at the top of the park, opposite the northern gate of the bowls club.