Local Facts - Alexandra Park, Harrow
Here we look at the background of some of our local community places of interest and this week its Alexandra Park in Harrow
John Reyner was a notable landowner in the Harrow area during the 19th century, and he is particularly known for his contributions to the development of Alexandra Park. Reyner was a wealthy businessman and politician who owned large tracts of land in the Harrow area. He was a member of the Harrow School Board, and he also served as a magistrate and a member of the local council.
In the mid-1800s, Reyner saw the potential for a public park in the area, and he began to acquire land for this purpose. He eventually purchased a large estate called Headstone Manor, which included extensive parkland. Reyner then set about transforming the estate into a public park, which he named Alexandra Park in honor of Queen Alexandra, the wife of King Edward VII.
Reyner's vision for Alexandra Park was to create a beautiful green space that would be accessible to all, regardless of their social status. He wanted the park to be a place where people could come to relax, exercise, and enjoy the outdoors. To this end, he commissioned the landscape architect William Barron to design the park. Barron created a stunning landscape, complete with winding paths, flower gardens, and a lake.
Alexandra Park opened to the public in 1902, and it quickly became a beloved community asset. Reyner's legacy can still be seen in the park today, with many of the original features still in place. The park is now managed by the London Borough of Harrow, and it continues to be a popular destination for locals and visitors alike.
In addition to his work on Alexandra Park, Reyner was also involved in many other civic projects in the Harrow area. He was a philanthropist who gave generously to local causes, and he was a tireless advocate for the betterment of the community. Today, he is remembered as a visionary leader who played a key role in shaping the Harrow area into the vibrant and thriving community it is today.
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