The park was laid out in 1880 by the corporation on land donated by Sir Hedworth Williamson. Stretching from Roker Park Road until it tapers at Roker Ravine connecting direct onto Roker Beach having gone under the now closed pedestrian Ravine Bridge and the road bridge.
It is understood that the road bridge, was built as a condition by Sir Hedworth Williamson to have a continuous road along the seafront when he handed over the land.
I remember when , armed with buckets, spades etc. on that long walk to the beach , site of the Ravine signalled that we had almost reached our destination. Equally, on the return journey, this was the spot where we put on our shoes, hopefully free of sand and the start of that long never ending walk home.
The Ravine Road Bridge at Roker Park.
The pedestrian Ravine Bridge was built
around 1901. Having become unsafe, the bridge was due to be demolished in the early 80,s only to be saved after a local campaign.
Despite being re opened, the bridge, although retained is no longer accessible to the public.
Right: Through Ravine Bridge gives you direct access onto Roker Beach
The Ravine
The Ravine, and its many caves , was a landing spot for many smugglers in the 1600,s & 1700,s. Having direct access onto the sea the ravine supported many a fisherman or bargemen as they landed, amongst other things , linen and alcohol , avoiding the customs officers and the high import taxes.
The Bandstand
Heading from the beach through the ravine , staring right in front of us is the Roker Park Bandstand. As I understand it, the bandstand was connected to electricity in 1905 so beginning the establishment of a fantastic communal facility.
During the 1950,s the bandstand was illuminated together with many of the other features in the park.
A temporary stage would be erected below and entertainers would perform supported by an accompanying band.
The Illuminations
During the 1930,s the illuminations were so good that they were said to be even better than Blackpools. In 1936,packed with re-created scenes such as Robin Hood and his Merry Men, robbers and smugglers in the caves of the ravine, the lights joined the Roker illuminations iwhich ran all along Roker to the recreational field at Seaburn.The display in 1939 was expected to officially take the crown as being the best in Britain. However, it was not to be as war was declared and they had only been lit it up for testing and a preview for committee members.
Although the Roker Park Illuminations was a fantastic attraction the cost of the illuminations could not be justified in the 1950,s and as a consequence a 3 year ban was imposed. Sadly the lights never re-appeared and were subsequently sold in 1959.
It is understood that the road bridge, was built as a condition by Sir Hedworth Williamson to have a continuous road along the seafront when he handed over the land.
I remember when , armed with buckets, spades etc. on that long walk to the beach , site of the Ravine signalled that we had almost reached our destination. Equally, on the return journey, this was the spot where we put on our shoes, hopefully free of sand and the start of that long never ending walk home.
The Ravine Road Bridge at Roker Park.
The pedestrian Ravine Bridge was built
around 1901. Having become unsafe, the bridge was due to be demolished in the early 80,s only to be saved after a local campaign.
Despite being re opened, the bridge, although retained is no longer accessible to the public.
Right: Through Ravine Bridge gives you direct access onto Roker Beach
The Ravine
The Ravine, and its many caves , was a landing spot for many smugglers in the 1600,s & 1700,s. Having direct access onto the sea the ravine supported many a fisherman or bargemen as they landed, amongst other things , linen and alcohol , avoiding the customs officers and the high import taxes.
The Bandstand
Heading from the beach through the ravine , staring right in front of us is the Roker Park Bandstand. As I understand it, the bandstand was connected to electricity in 1905 so beginning the establishment of a fantastic communal facility.
During the 1950,s the bandstand was illuminated together with many of the other features in the park.
A temporary stage would be erected below and entertainers would perform supported by an accompanying band.
The Illuminations
During the 1930,s the illuminations were so good that they were said to be even better than Blackpools. In 1936,packed with re-created scenes such as Robin Hood and his Merry Men, robbers and smugglers in the caves of the ravine, the lights joined the Roker illuminations iwhich ran all along Roker to the recreational field at Seaburn.The display in 1939 was expected to officially take the crown as being the best in Britain. However, it was not to be as war was declared and they had only been lit it up for testing and a preview for committee members.
Although the Roker Park Illuminations was a fantastic attraction the cost of the illuminations could not be justified in the 1950,s and as a consequence a 3 year ban was imposed. Sadly the lights never re-appeared and were subsequently sold in 1959.
The Boating Lake
In 1952, at the bottom of the overflow at the side of the Ravine parts of a 200 year old skeleton was found here as two boys were digging into the sandy sides of the bank.
The boating lake has always been a fantastic attraction in the park. It was said that during the construction, the water that was drained from Fulwell Hills was diverted to the lake. The overflow formed the park,s waterfall on its way down the ravine.
In 1952, at the bottom of the overflow at the side of the Ravine parts of a 200 year old skeleton was found here as two boys were digging into the sandy sides of the bank.
