Bridge Farm
(Potted History)
William Dewhurst was the owner of the house known as Bridge Farm, which was built circa 1900, at the time he was a well known and respected landowner in the area. Whilst renovating the property, the current owner discovered evidence of a much earlier building on the same plot of land.
Around 1901 - 1902, a section of his land was compulsory purchased to create a new railway branch line into Blackpool's South Shore. The area of land compulsory purchased ran directly through the middle of William Dewhurst's land.
After William Dewhurst’s death, in 1929, the property and land was divided between his four children, William, Edward, Margaret and Sarah. His sons, William and Edward, each inherited a parcel of land. And Bridge Farm was left to his two daughters, and their families. Margaret and her husband, James S Strickland, and Sarah and her husband, Robert Henry Webster. Awhile later Robert Henry Webster built the house known as Sedbergh, next door on Bridge Farm land, for his family. The Strickland family remained in the old house.
After the death of Mr Robert Henry Webster, who was the family's last Market Gardener of Bridge Farm, the family agreed to sell the land to Blackpool Borough Council.
For many years the whole farm was rented to tenant farmers, but after a while it was no longer required as a farm and the council agreed to separate the house from the land. In 1978 the area surrounding the house became "Bridge Farm Allotments", which is still a very popular and active community today, and the field adjoining it was maintained as an open greenspace for the locals to enjoy. The house continued to be rented for a while and finally went into private ownership in 1990.
Later when the railway branch line to South Shore closed, it was further developed into the Yeadon Way, the link road to the M55.
In 2022, in agreement with the Council "The Friends of Bridge Farm Recreation Park " was formed. The Council and the Friends Group have been working together to develop the area by improving the layout and enhancing its aesthetic appearance. Together with Groundworks, and volunteers from Blackpool Civic Trust, Blackpool Pond Trail and Bridge Farm Allotments, we planted many native trees; such as Alder, Blackthorn, Field Maple, Hawthorn, Hornbeam, Rowan, Silver Birch, Plum and Cherry etc.
16/05/22
At present construction is underway laying out a path to ensure year round access for walkers, pushchairs and wheelchairs, The area nearest the gate is intended for children to play football or cricket etc: and the far end of the area to be used as a picnic or seating area.
The current work is ongoing but we hope to be able to use it again within the next two weeks.
1/06/22
The new pathway is in place and the area is now open to everyone.
17/01/23
Enveco, (on behalf of the Parks Dept) planted 25 trees new trees, Alders and Oaks
23/03/23
A new vehicle gate and a K gate have been installed, and the entrance area improved.
6 + 7/09/23
Two new benches have been installed and have been well received by visitors to our park.
Many other projects are regularly undertaken and are still on going, including litter picking, bulb planting, planting whips (very young trees) and maintenance of the park by the volunteers of the Friends Group.
Historical Photos
