Alexandra Gardens, Chesterton

History of Alexandra Gardens

Gardens formally opened — 30 March 1907
Alexandra Gardens, Chesterton, was formally opened. Five years ago Chesterton Urban Council purchased disused brickpits with a frontage to Alpha Road. That portion was sold which enabled the council to acquire the remainder at a very moderate price. The upper part of Carlyle Road was widened, the land turfed, laid out with flower beds and planted with shrubs. It is proposed to have games of tennis and bowls as in vogue in seaside towns 07 03 30

Credit: Mike Petty Archive, Cambridge Chesterton Road Area Scrapbook, reference 1907 03 30

Transformation from refuse ground — 6 April 1907
The Alexandra Gardens, Chesterton, is an excellent example of what can be done by local administrators who keep their eyes open. A few years ago what is now a delightful recreation ground for young and old was simply a collection of vile refuse, a danger and a nuisance. As the council cannot speculate in land Mr H.G. Whibley bought it for £1,350. He disposed of the Alpha Road frontage for £1,000 and made the rest over to the corporation for £350, providing residents a beautiful pleasure garden for a cost so small it is hardly worth considering. 07 04 06

Credit: Mike Petty Archive, Cambridge Chesterton Road Area Scrapbook, reference 1907 04 06

---

1913

H Stearn, custodian

---

4 August 1937 — Complaint about neglected grounds
Extract:
Sir, as a former critic of Histon Road Cemetery may I now acknowledge the improvement which is so apparent, especially to the curator who had no easy task in taking over such a neglected place. However Alexandra Gardens in Carlyle Road is probably the worst kept of all the recreation grounds. The grass verges have been neither mown nor trimmed this year and no hoe has been used on the shrubbery border which is a mass of thistles and other weeds. It seems difficult to believe that no member of the Council ever pays a visit – ‘Observer’.

Credit: Mike Petty, 37 08 04.