As campaigners continue their protests to save as many trees in The Walks as possible in London Road, Wellingborough, we are taking a look at the changing face of The Embankment area.
When the Victorians laid out The Walks in 1847, they did it as an amenity for the town and have been enjoyed ever since.
The Walks stretched from Swanspool to the River Nene. The first lime trees were planted in 1846-47 - just a decade into Queen Victoria’s reign.
According to local historian Tony Smith, the first “walk” was laid out from the bottom of Sheep Street to what is now Broadway. He said: “The second continued along London Road to the Dog and Duck inn, followed by the section earmarked for demolition.
“Before the arrival of the motor car, walking was a popular pastime - whole families in their Sunday best would stroll beneath the branches after church, often meeting up with other relatives and friends. Indeed many married couples met for the first time in The Walks.”
The Embankment has been a hugely popular destination for generations - picnics, feeding the swans, walking and using the splash park. The area will be remodelled to make way for a dual carriageway and new roundabout.
1. The Wellingborough Walks and Embankment - the changing face of town’s green gateway to the River Nene
Wellingborough schoolchildren using The Walks in October 2008. Photo: Kit Mallin
2. The Wellingborough Walks and Embankment - the changing face of town’s green gateway to the River Nene
Aerial photo showing the London Road entrance to Wellingborough. Whitworths Mill, Wellingborough London Road Station where the A45 now goes along the path of the old railway line and where Tesco was built. The photo is believed to be from the 1950s and shows the avenue of lime trees Photo: Alison Bagley
3. The Wellingborough Walks and Embankment - the changing face of town’s green gateway to the River Nene
Dated 1905. The first lime trees were planted in 1846-47 - just a decade into Queen Victoria’s reign. The first 'walk' was laid out from the bottom of Sheep Street to what is now Broadway, the second continued along London Road to the Dog & Duck inn, followed by the section earmarked for demolition - thanks to Tony Smith Photo: TONY SMITH
4. The Wellingborough Walks and Embankment - the changing face of town’s green gateway to the River Nene
Dated 1905: Before the arrival of the motor car, walking was a popular pastime - whole families in their Sunday best would stroll beneath the branches after church, often meeting up with other relatives and friends. Indeed many married couples met for the first time in 'The Walks' - thanks to Tony Smith Photo: Northampton Museum