A Green Flag award winning park, West Park also known as Watts Park after the monument of Isaac Watts which occupies a central position. Isaac Watts is one of Southampton’s most famous son’s. He was famous as an author, educator, philosopher and hymn writer. Born in 1674, he lived at 41 French Street and was educated at the nearby King Edward VI grammar school. Isaac Watts was one of the leading nonconformists in the town and is mainly remembered for his hymns which include ‘Our God, Our Help in Ages Past’ which is chimed on the Civic Centre clock at 8.00 am, noon and 4.00 pm.
The layout of West Park is based upon the east-west axis that was established in the mid 19th century. Originally the park had one focal point, the Watts monument but the Cenotaph (designed by Edwin Lutyens), was added in 1920 on the eastern edge of the park. The east-west axial path links the two monuments and then continues further west until it divides and leads to two entrances in the north-west corner and at the western end of the park. The sculpture ‘Enclosure’ by Paul De Monchaux 2000 was commissioned under the heritage lottery fund scheme. The four metre high stone sculpture frames four skyline landmarks in and around the park and is a good meeting/discussion point for some of the guided walks and talks that take place.
Follow this link to see a detailed map of the Central Parks. (Note: it's a large file and download speeds may vary)
Copyright © Southampton City Council 2009
