South Park, Oxford

South Park is a park on Headington Hill in east Oxford, England.[1] It is the largest park within Oxford city limits. A good view of the city centre with its historic spires and towers of Oxford University can be obtained at the park's highest point, a favourite location for photographers.

Not to be confused with South Parks Road.
View across South Park.
South Park in the snow.

Location

The park is located alongside Headington Road. St Clement's links the park with central Oxford. A 19th-century bridge links the park with Headington Hill Park.[2] On the southern boundary is the gently curving Morrell Avenue, named after a local brewery family.

History

The land was privately owned by the Morrell family of Headington Hill Hall until bought by the Oxford Preservation Trust in 1932 to preserve it as open space. In 1951 the Trust gave the land to the city of Oxford. A carved stone by the sculptor Eric Gill is located at the foot of the Park and records the Trust's gift thus: 'This park was acquired by the Oxford Preservation Trust through the liberality of the Pilgrim Trust and David and Joanna Randall-McIver 1932'.

Events
Annual Bonfire Night fireworks display at South Park, Oxford

Many events are held in the park including the annual parade of the Lord Mayor and the annual fund-raising fireworks display of the Oxford branch of Round Table.

On 7 July 2001, there was a music festival in the park, including Radiohead, Supergrass (who started in Oxford), Beck, Sigur Rós, Humphrey Lyttelton and two local bands, Hester Thrale and The Rock of Travolta.[3] Over 40,000 people attended, the largest event in the park to date.

Foodies Festivals organizes events at South Park,[4] including master classes from chefs such as Levi Roots and Ed Baines.

See also

References
  1. South Park, Oxford City Council, UK.
  2. The Landscape of Headington Hill Hall: A Report for Oxford Brookes Archived 2011-06-07 at the Wayback Machine, Land & Landscape Management Ltd, December 2006.
  3. Radiohead, Beck, Supergrass, Sigur Ros, Humphrey Lyttelton, Music OMH.
  4. "Oxford". Foodies Festivals]. Retrieved 26 October 2012.


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