How a ‘hidden’ garden in Chesterfield is being given a new lease of life

Thousands of people drive past a historic garden in Chesterfield every day – but many are completely unaware it exists.
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Now, volunteers from Chesterfield and District Local History Society have been given permission to breathe new life into the Coronation Gardens on Chatsworth Road.

The site, which includes six prominent horse chestnut trees, has been run-down for many years – but the society’s refurbishment work is making the area look much more attractive.

Members of Chesterfield and District Local History Society are breathing new life into the Coronation Gardens on Chatsworth Road. Back, Sean Crossland, Syd and John Barwick, Ben Laverick. Front, Ed Fordham with Sparky the Husky and Luke Povey. Pictures by Brian Eyre.Members of Chesterfield and District Local History Society are breathing new life into the Coronation Gardens on Chatsworth Road. Back, Sean Crossland, Syd and John Barwick, Ben Laverick. Front, Ed Fordham with Sparky the Husky and Luke Povey. Pictures by Brian Eyre.
Members of Chesterfield and District Local History Society are breathing new life into the Coronation Gardens on Chatsworth Road. Back, Sean Crossland, Syd and John Barwick, Ben Laverick. Front, Ed Fordham with Sparky the Husky and Luke Povey. Pictures by Brian Eyre.
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The project will culminate in benches being installed at the location.

According to the society, the garden appears to date back to just before World War Two and was used as a place for Robinson’s staff to sit and relax during their breaks and after work.

After the war, the site took on a more solemn significance and became known by staff and locals as the Memorial Gardens.

However, with the desire to move on after the tribulations of the war, the garden was given a new lease of life and was laid out with the low-level stone flower beds which are still visible today.

The Coronation Gardens on Chatsworth Road.The Coronation Gardens on Chatsworth Road.
The Coronation Gardens on Chatsworth Road.
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In 1952, the area was reopened and dedicated as the Coronation Gardens to mark the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II.

Christine Merrick, a member of the society, came up with the idea of sprucing up the front side of the garden.

She said: “Many of our members were shielding because of the coronavirus pandemic so we couldn't meet.

“However, some members wanted a project that was local and could be socially-distanced.

Members of Chesterfield and District Local History Society are breathing new life into the Coronation Gardens on Chatsworth Road. Back, Sean Crossland, Syd and John Barwick, Ben Laverick. Front, Ed Fordham with Sparky the Husky and Luke Povey.Members of Chesterfield and District Local History Society are breathing new life into the Coronation Gardens on Chatsworth Road. Back, Sean Crossland, Syd and John Barwick, Ben Laverick. Front, Ed Fordham with Sparky the Husky and Luke Povey.
Members of Chesterfield and District Local History Society are breathing new life into the Coronation Gardens on Chatsworth Road. Back, Sean Crossland, Syd and John Barwick, Ben Laverick. Front, Ed Fordham with Sparky the Husky and Luke Povey.
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“We also wanted to help bring Chesterfield’s history alive.”

Ed Fordham, another member of the society, added: “So far the group has cleared sacks and sacks of litter, cut back the 30 years of ivy and bindweed, freed the six horse chestnuts of the strangulation of the ivy and started to reveal the original gravel base.

“The clean-up will culminate with the installation of a couple of benches and signs that indicate what the gardens used to be and the story.”

It is hoped the front of the garden will be relaunched in time for Armistice Day in November.

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The society extended its thanks to Guy Robinson, who gave permission for the clean-up to take place.

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