Boston Park

Facilities

• Bowling greens
• Toilets
• Car parking
• Pavilion
• Heritage trail

Events

Events at Boston Park

History

Boston Park covers just over 8 hectares and is situated at the end of Boston Castle Grove, off Moorgate Road. At the side of the park is Canklow Woods which is an ancient woodland and was purchased by the Council in April 2000 from the Duke of Norfolk.

Boston Park was Rotherham's first public park. The townfolk presented a petition to the then Rotherham Corporation requesting the area be officially turned into a public park for their enjoyment. The corporation honoured this request and took on a 40 year lease from the Earl of Effingham. The park was opened on the 4th July 1876 to mark the centenary of the American Independence and was finally purchased by the council in 1902. For the opening, all shops in the area were ordered to close so everyone could attend, and a procession led by the volunteer's brass band made its way to the park.

Before it became a park the area was extensively quarried. The stone was known as Rotherham/Mexborough Red Rock which has been used for several buildings, including Thomas Rotherham College, and for the restoration of All Saints' Church. One rock face is now recognised as a regionally important geological site.

The park was originally laid out with extensive gardens, cricket ground, bowling and croquet lawn and an open area for gymnastics. Today the park still boasts an attractive garden area, 2 bowling greens, a large open area for informal recreation and is well used by visitors for walking and to enjoy the magnificent views across Sheffield towards Derbyshire.

In more recent years the Council has been working closely with the Friends of Boston Castle and Parklands. This voluntary group is working hard to return the castle and parkland to its former glory by supporting the Council with an application to the Heritage Lottery Fund. If successful, this should see many developments to the castle and the surrounding area.

The park is home to Boston Castle, a shooting lodge built by the Earl of Effingham around 1775.

Friends of Boston Castle and Parklands

The Friends of Boston Castle and Parklands are local volunteers who dedicate their own time helping with development, day to day management of the park and with the delivery of events and activities. If you would like to become involved with the Friends of Boston Park, please contact us, or for more information about the castle please visit our website

How to find us