Our Parks: Shadbolt Park

The park and adjoining paddock is a FIELD IN TRUST maintained by the local authority, with a group of volunteers: THE FRIENDS OF SHADBOLT PARK
The park and house was once the home of railway engineer Ernest Ifill Shadbolt.
The plot of land was called Darkfield, so that was the name of the house. It was probably the name that drew him there, as his father George,
in partnership with Francis Wenham, invented the modern Darkfield microscope.
His brother Cecil took the first arial photograph. He was killed in a ballooning accident.
Ernest never married. As a founder member of the Metropolitan Gardens Association, he left his property as a park for local people.
There is an information lectern, beside the meadow area, with more information.

Auriol Park

THE FRIENDS OF AURIOL in the neighbouring Auriol Ward help to maintain this lovely park.
As well as allotments for rent, table tennis, pitches, a childrens' playground and a bowling club,
there is an area of orchard planted by the volunteers.