She wrote in her will a ‘restrictive covenant’ saying the land should be used as a public park or recreation ground and for no other purpose. Her wish has been respected by successive Preston councils. The park and surrounding areas were dubbed as ‘heaven’ and ‘paradise’, and with facilities including a bowling green, swimming pool and aviary, it was a good description. What are your memories of Ashton’s Haslam Park?
5. Haslam Park Memories
This memorial to a wealthy mill owner in Preston won the Government's official stamp of approval in the 1980s. The ornamental entrance gates to Haslam Park, first erected when the 56-acre parkland was opened to the memory of cotton spinning boss John Haslam in 1910, was given the protection of "listed building" status by the Department of the Environment at the request of owners Preston Council. The recognition applies to both Blackpool Road and Cottam Lane entrances | National World
6. Haslam Park Memories
Getting ready to make a splash in the swimming pool via the big slide. This image is from 1958 and shows the baths as a popular choice for many residents of Preston | National World
7. Haslam Park Memories
The south end changing cubicles at the baths on Haslam Park, pictured here in 1988 after the pool was closed. Image kindly provided by Paul Swarbrick and Gillian Lawson of the Preston Historical Society | National World
8. Haslam Park Memories
This would have been a familiar sight to anyone who frequented the pool at Haslam Park - it's the entrance to the baths | National World