The war history of a Kettering park

Rockingham Road Pleasure Park played a part in both world wars
Rockingham Pleasure Park played an important role in both world wars.Rockingham Pleasure Park played an important role in both world wars.
Rockingham Pleasure Park played an important role in both world wars.

A German plane was shot over a Kettering park during World War Two.

The incredible story is just one tale from Rockingham Pleasure Park's war history, as the popular park played an important role in both world wars.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Rockingham Pleasure Park is one of Kettering's most popular public spaces and was created in Victorian times in 1894.

The park has a long history dating back to Victorian times when the park was created.The park has a long history dating back to Victorian times when the park was created.
The park has a long history dating back to Victorian times when the park was created.

A local shoe manufacturer, John Bryan, persuaded the Local Government Board to buy the land for the town and it became a public park.

Twenty years later during the First World War, the Kettering park was temporarily home to the Scottish Horse Brigade. Huts were put up to accommodate the brigade and were then used for people on a housing waiting list.

During the Second World War, Kettering residents used air raid shelters in the park during the blitz and the park's most incredible story happened during a bombing raid in 1941.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

On April 11, 1941, a German plane was shot over Kettering. According to the park's information board, the flying officer died when his parachute failed to open over the park.

Many people still enjoy the park, but did you know its wartime history?Many people still enjoy the park, but did you know its wartime history?
Many people still enjoy the park, but did you know its wartime history?

Many people enjoy Rockingham Pleasure Park but are perhaps unaware of its wartime history.

Remembrance Sunday is a chance to commemorate those who lost their lives in the war, reflect on their sacrifice and never forget.

Message from the editor:

Thank you for reading this story on our website. While I have your attention, I also have an important request to make of you.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

In order for us to continue to provide trusted local news on this free-to-read site, I am asking you to also please purchase a copy of our newspaper.

Our journalists are highly trained and our content is independently regulated by IPSO to some of the highest standards in the world. The dramatic events of 2020 are having a major impact on many of our local valued advertisers and consequently the advertising that we receive. We are now more reliant than ever on you helping us to provide you with news by buying a copy of our newspaper.

Thank you

Related topics: