Welcome to the Coronation Garden in Penrith
Opening of the Coronation Garden on 20 April 1938
Penrith and Eden Museum
The ground forming this garden was originally a tennis court and garden to Wordsworth House − the two houses that were converted in 1906 to form the Town Hall.
To commemorate the coronation of King George VI in 1937, this land was developed into a community garden and opened on 20 April 1938.
Logo for Penrith Coronation Garden
Karen MacDougall
Over the passage of time the garden became neglected, so Penrith Rotary Club decided to restore the garden as a civic amenity project. Some of the garden’s original features are retained within this new layout, designed to reflect Penrith’s historical roots.
Penrith’s heritage is closely linked with Scotland and in recognition of this the garden has been landscaped to incorporate the X-shaped cross of St Andrew who is not only the patron saint of Scotland but also of the local church.
The Coronation Garden during restoration
A series of interpretation panels and a historical time line have been incorporated to raise awareness, understanding and appreciation of Penrith’s rich heritage and to strengthen pride and pleasure in our local surroundings.
Additionally the garden plants have been chosen to create a sensory garden experience incorporating a variety of colours, scents and textures.
Sensory garden at the Coronation Garden
We hope you enjoy your visit to the restored Coronation Garden and gain some understanding of Penrith’s rich and often turbulent history, which has left a lasting legacy in its buildings, monuments, landscapes and cultural inheritance of its people.
Opening of phase one of the Coronation Garden on 29 November 2012
Fred Wilson, photographer
Thanks to the Coronation Garden funders and supporters
Family activity packs, suitable for up to two children of age range approximately 3-13, are available from the Tourist Information Centre. Have fun.
Over 800 people, and particularly all the town's infant/junior schools, were involved in the design of the artwork sculptures and the historical banners, working with local artist Karen MacDougall. Their commitment and enthusiasm contributed much to the success of the project.
Special thanks are extended to Rotarian Jeff Fawcett who coordinated the project on behalf of Penrith Rotary Club, and to the staff of Penrith and Eden Museum who not only provided many of the images but offered support and assistance throughout the process of producing and designing the panels. Without their contribution we would not have achieved so much.
This scheme has been made possible through the generous financial contribution of various funding agencies. Sincere appreciation is extended to the Heritage Lottery Fund, the Rotary Club of Penrith, Eden District Council, Cumbria Waste Management Environment Trust, Cumbria County Council and Cumbrian Homes.