Summer in Prestwich

As summer begins and temperatures soar many of us may be looking forward to getting away (though this not an essential nor easy thing to do or consider at this time due to the pandemic). For many young people in our homes during the Victorian period and into the mid twentieth century holidays were a luxury. Our charity went some way, however, to provide a holiday experience for those who may otherwise never journeyed beyond the city limits for some much needed play and relaxation. During Local History Month in May, we focused on funding and donations from local communities; this time we are zoning in one particular area, Prestwich, north of Manchester, to look at some of the many ways in which individuals and families outside of Manchester and Salford supported the charity and helped young people to venture out of the city in summer.

Our Bethesda Home had many friends and patrons throughout its lifetime. During its years in Cheetham Hill, young people often enjoyed days out and summer breaks at the charity’s seaside home or summer camp. One such outing, which became an annual tradition was a day trip to Prestwich, and ‘The Park’ owned by Miss Anna Maria Philips who had inherited the estate from her father Robert Needham Philips (textile merchant and MP for Bury). Miss Philips, like her father and several others in the area, opened their homes and gardens to our young people during Whit week and in the summer months. She was a keen supporter of child welfare and in particular the education of children.

A view of Philips Park and house, 1902 (public domain)

From 1890, Miss Philips spent the summer at the Park, and it is during this time she would host an array of guests from the local community: 

She expanded the practice of inviting groups to the Park on set days to enjoy the gardens and devoted time to good works… She did a lot of kindly and effective good work and avoided the limelight, thrice refusing an honorary MA from Manchester University.

– Philips Park: Its history and development by Sara Gremson, Ian Pringle and Diana Winterbotham

During their visits to the Park the young people of Bethesda enjoyed the sprawling gardens, which may have seemed a world away from the conditions to which they were accustomed, including Bethesda itself which lay on the outskirts of the bustling cities. On occasion Miss Philips put on a special treat for the children: 

1900

The Philips family were clearly very generous nature lovers as Anna Maria and her cousin, Mr Herbert Philips J.P. (also Trustee of the Manchester and Salford Refuges from 1872 until his death in 1905) donated flowers and evergreen trees to cheer the charity’s homes and grounds and help the young people connect with nature. Upon Miss Philips' death in 1946, the Park was donated to Bury Council and became a public amenity as it is known today – Philips Park. 

Similarly, an array of gentlewomen in the Prestwich area entertained children of the Refuges at their homes and gardens, the likes of whom included Mrs Clemson of The Holme, Mrs Cawley, wife of the esteemed 1st Baron Frederick Cawley at Brooklands, and Mrs Carver wife of Alderman Benjamin Carver J.P. at Polefield. Support also came from other larges houses in Prestwich including Bent House and Eagle’s Nest. 

1901

This goes to show that you don't have to journey far to enjoy the sun. Keep local and keep safe.