History of Stratford Park

The Stratford name has been recorded in this part of Stroud from 1307.It continued as the place name even after Edward Stratford, the last in the family to own the site, sold to a Stroud mercer called Nathaniel Gardner in 1653, just after the civil war.

The house still has a stone with the initials C.G.1674 for Giles Gardner who had inherited the property. Following families enlarged the house in the late eighteenth century.

From 1819 to 1891,there were only two owners; Joseph Watts, a Stroud brewer who died in 1855, and his grandson Joseph Watts Hallewell M.A, J.P, D.L.Their interest focused on the grounds, even changing the name of Stratford House to Stratford Park. The ornamental cast iron bridge over the Painswick Stream was built early that century and the planting began of carefully chosen specimen trees to grace the sloping ground and enlarged lake. It is believed that some of the newly introduced trees came from orders shared with Halfords of Westonbirt. Joseph Watts was please to welcome the public, setting up a big horticultal show and exhibition and the 1870 Agricultural Show, forerunners of the Stroud shows.

During this century the house was reduced in size as lifestyles changed. New specimen trees and shrubs were introduced, again through concerned owner G.F.Ormerod. When he died in the 1930's his executors, following his wishes, wanted to ensure that the people of Stroud could enjoy this parkland permanently. The Sale of these 56 Acres to Stroud Urban District Council came as a happy surprise when the acquisition was announced in June 1935.

In 1936 the outdoor swimming pool and the Stratford Park bowling green, were opened, both of which are still in use today.

In 1975 the Leisure Centre building was opened within the grounds of the park to provide a whole new range of leisure provisions for the people of Stroud.