Werneth Park
Werneth Park is a public park in Oldham, Greater Manchester, England, including a Grade II* listed community centre, music rooms, Dame Sarah Lees Memorial, gardens and sports facilities.
History
Werneth Hall and Park
Werneth Park formed part of the historic Werneth Hall estate from the Middle Ages until around 1844 when the triangular plot of land which is now known as the park was separated from the rest of the estate and the Platt, Lees and Radcliffe families bought the plots of land.Werneth Park and Platt House
During the late-19th century, each of the Platt, Lees and Radcliffe families built a "mill town mansion" overlooking the park's landscape and developed their grounds as gardens.Later, the Lees family bought the other families' portions and demolished all the other buildings to become the sole owners of the park.
After the death of the philanthropist Dame Sarah Lees in 1935, her daughter, Miss Marjory Lees, gave the park to the people of Oldham.
Dame Sarah Lees Memorial
This monument to the local philanthropist and public figure, Dame Sarah Lees, was erected in her honour by the townspeople of Oldham in 1937.She was the first woman councillor elected for Oldham Council and also the first woman councillor to be elected in Lancashire in 1907. She was later the second female mayor in the country when she became Mayor of Oldham in 1910.