Avenham Walks

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The next bridge on the river is the Old Tram Bridge (Stop E).
It was built in 1802 and formed part of the tramway connecting the Lancaster Canal and the Leeds-Liverpool Canal.

In 1859, the tramlines were removed and since then the bridge has been a footbridge. The original design of the bridge has been maintained during rebuilding although the structure is now concrete rather than wood.

At the top of the steep incline directly facing the bridge is the Belvedere, which was moved from its original position in Miller Park to make way for the Earl of Derby’s statue. This ornamental building now occupies the site once used for the stationary steam engine, which was used to haul loaded wagons of coal on tracks up the 1 in 6 gradient from the Tram Bridge.

A few yards upstream, on the southern side, is the site for first Mormon baptisms outside of America. The Mormon Church was founded in America in 1830. On 30th July 1837, a Mormon missionary, Elder Kimball, baptised nine converts. Since no Preston clergyman would allow the baptism in church, the site by the river was chosen.

The trail now leads into Avenham Park & Miller Park. The land for Avenham Park was given by Lieutenant Colonel Cross and its design drawn up around 1864. Between 1864 and 1865, the park was laid out by unemployed cotton operatives, providing them with much needed work during the cotton famine caused by the American Civil War. It was officially opened by the Duke of Cambridge on 3rd October 1867.

The park has long been known for its entertainment and recreational activities, perhaps aided by being such a natural amphitheatre. The annual tradition of egg rolling still takes place down the grassy slopes each Easter Monday. Miller Park takes its name from Alderman Thomas Miller who gave the park to the public in 1864. One of the many features of the park is the Victorian fountain made of Longridge stone with figures around the base representing the four elements: Earth, Fire, Air and Water.

Towering over the park is the former Park Hotel. When the railway opened from London to Glasgow, it was considered detrimental to health to travel the full distance in one journey. This hotel was built so that travellers could take an overnight break. In 1950, the building was sold to the county council.

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