History
The landscape of the Memorial Gardens has remained relatively unchanged since it’s opening in 1952. The gardens were already in existence as the grounds of Cliffe House. With the demolition of the Cliffe House buildings and subsequent relocation of the War Memorial (to Dale Street) the original design and integrity was enhanced by the placing of the Memorial on the footprint of Cliffe House foundations.
The circular road and pathway have been retained and the slope to the lawns below is as originally laid out. Part of the original grounds (0.8 of an acre) were lost when the M62 Motorway was constructed. This remodelling of the park required the diversion of a bridleway, which still passes through the park on the footpaths adjacent to the motorway boundary.
This same footpath is also part of the Beal Valley Way - a footpath network constructed by The Groundwork Trust in 2002 linking railway the railway network. It is also a walking initiative linked with GMPTE (Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Executive).
The remainder of the park (4.9 acres) was purchased in 1961 from Mr Vernon Smith Whitworth, who was the last occupier and had inherited the estate of the former owner Mr Emanuel Clegg.
The purchase price was £300 and the stipulation was that the land was to be used as public pleasure and recreation grounds.