Southampton City Council

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Palmerston Park

Picture of bandstand in Palmerston ParkPalmerston Park is possibly the most seen of the central parks, being the only point where the parks actually meet the busy Above Bar Street. This provides the most obvious entrance into the parks for many people new to the city. This is a densely planted area, with the main planting theme being “Ericaceous” or acidic soil loving plants such as camellias, rhododendrons, azaleas, magnolias and “witch hazels”. It is much loved especially when it is in full bloom in the spring. We have added Hydrangeas and various summer flowering bulbs to extend the flowering season into the summer.

Among this iconic garden sits the Viscount Palmerston Memorial. This is the statue of former Prime Minster the 3rd Viscount Palmerston. It stands seven feet high on its plinth and is made of white marble and granite. It was erected by public subscription and unveiled by the Earl of Caernarvon on 2 June 1869 four years after Palmerston’s death in 1865. He was MP for South Hampshire for many years.

The rhododendron planting is continued along the long border on the eastern boundary which forms the backdrop to the Bandstand.

The Bandstand was built as a result of public demand and was completed in 1999. The original cast iron bandstand erected in 1885 was sited further to the north of the park and was removed in 1940 as a result of bomb damage was. Its site is marked by an impressive stand of rhododendron easily viewed from New Road.

Follow this link to see a detailed map of the Central Parks. (Note: it's a large file and download speeds may vary)

Features is Palmerston and Houndwell Park

1. Viscount Palmerston Memorial

The statue of the 3rd Viscount Palmerston is seven feet high and made of white marble and granite. It was erected by public subscription and unveiled by the Earl of Caernarvon on 2 June 1869 four years after Palmerston’s death in 1865. The sculptor was Thomas Sharp of London. Palmerston lived at Broadlands, Romsey and was MP for South Hampshire for many years. He was also a burgess of Southampton and is best remembered as a reforming Prime Minster and jingoistic Foreign Secretary.

2. Bandstand

As a result of public demand a new bandstand was completed in 1999. The original cast iron bandstand removed in 1940 as a result of bomb damage was erected in 1885.

3. William Chamberlayne Gas Column

The Gas Column is a 50 feet high fluted Doric column cast in iron at Tickell’s Foundry in Foundry Lane, Millbrook. It was subscribed as a tribute to William Chamberlayne, MP for the town 1818-1829. The column has been moved several times. It was first erected at the junction of New Road and Above Bar Street. It was removed to Town Quay in 1829 and transferred in 1865 to Houndwell. It was re-positioned onto Speakers Corner Roundabout in 1957 during road alterations and again into Houndwell Park in 2000.

Images of Palmerston Park

Image of bandstand in Palmerston Park

Bandstand

Image of bandstand Palmerston Park

Bandstand

Image of Cambell's Magnolia in Palmerston Park

Campbell's Magnolia near the Above Bar entrance to the park

Image of Palmerston Park planting

Image of Palmerston Park

Image of Palmerston Park

Image of Palmerston Park

Image of Palmerston Park bedding

Display bedding along Above Bar Street

Map of Southampton’s parks and green spaces


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Contact information

If you want to contact us regarding the content of this page please contact us at:

  • 0800 519 1919
  • Parks and street cleansing, Southampton City Council, One Guildhall Square, Southampton, SO14 7FP

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