A Strange Roundhay Structure

LS1 · Post by **LS1** » Thu 23 Aug, 2007 12:11 am

I have seen a few photos of this structure behind the Oakwood clock now, but have never seen referenceto it anywhere, not even in "The Illustrated History of Roundhay Park".I had heard that it was an old original enterance to the park, but it seems to be in an odd position. I also heard that it was used as a waiting room for the trams... There were cavilary barracks around here at one time abd wondered if this structure could be them, but it looks too small. Anyway, there is no trace of it at all now, and it would be interesting to find out more about what it was... any ideas anyone?

JanCee · Post by **JanCee** » Thu 23 Aug, 2007 12:14 am

Is there supposed to be an attachment there LS1? Can't see it.Vague memories of something crashing into the clock area are hoving in....no doubt someone will fill in the blanks for me. Edit: I see it now.

LS1 · Post by **LS1** » Thu 23 Aug, 2007 9:14 am

I think there was once a runaway tram that went down here somewhere. Think it has benn mentioned somewhere on one of the threads but I can't quite remember which one. I hop someone can solve this one!

rikj · Post by **rikj** » Thu 23 Aug, 2007 2:11 pm

All I can add is that on the 1906 map it is marked as "Lodge". Looking at the map you can see how it would have made a grand entrance to the park. I'll try and scan it in when I've a chance.(The tram ranaway from the terminus when the driver forgot to put on the handbrake and went for a wazz taking the airbrake handle with him! The conductor failed to stop it with the handbrake and forgot there was an emergency airbrake, and jumped off.The tram ran down Princess Avenue to Oakwood where it was stopped by hitting another tram. This tram was now launched down Roundhay Road as a runaway because the impact had knocked out the driver. A passenger on the tram, Mr Penwarden, stopped the tram by applying the handbrake. He was presented with a gold watch and chain by the Lord Mayor, and later awarded the MBE)Paraphrased from Leeds Trams by Andrew D Young

rangieowner · Post by **rangieowner** » Thu 23 Aug, 2007 2:51 pm

rikj wrote: The tram ran down Princess Avenue to Oakwood where it was stopped by hitting another tram. This tram was now launched down Roundhay Road as a runaway because the impact had knocked out the driver. A passenger on the tram, Mr Penwarden, stopped the tram by applying the handbrake. He was presented with a gold watch and chain by the Lord Mayor, and later awarded the MBE)Paraphrased from Leeds Trams by Andrew D Young you wouldn't get a kiss my a**s or owt these days, probably get arrested for entering drivers compartment!! lol!!

rikj · Post by **rikj** » Thu 23 Aug, 2007 3:18 pm

Here's a pic from leodis that puts the lodge/arch in context regards its situation.

LS1 · Post by **LS1** » Thu 23 Aug, 2007 3:29 pm

See what I mean rickj, it doesnt really fit with the roads structure as shown on the picture. Although Old Park Road was once a service road for the Park as seen on old maps, this doesn't fit with the archway structure. Since Prince's Avenue wasn't constructed until at least 50 years after Nicholson biult the park it has no where to go on the left side. As for the right, I don't think that there was a road originally that went to the lakeside. I always was under the impression that the only entrance to the park was wetherby Road. It looks too small for a barracks, but sinceI have not head of any other structures there i think it may be this....

rikj · Post by **rikj** » Thu 23 Aug, 2007 3:43 pm

An early 1900s view of the lodge and toilets which stood at the junction of Park Avenue fronting Soldiers Field Sportsground. The Gentlemen's public toilets are on the left and the ladies situated on the right. There is a horse and cart to the left of the lodge.Situated at the entrance of the park, the lodge was built in the classical style for Thomas Nicholson, who purchased Roundhay Park in 1803. He was of Chapel Allerton, a banker with shipping interests in London.Both quotes are from the descriptions of this and another photo on Leodis. Ican't say whether they are correct or not!The only other thing I can add is that on the '06 map a footpath goes from directly behind the lodge all the way to the lake, will try and get the map up later. (And the paint has now gone dry on me brush grrr).

stevief · Post by **stevief** » Thu 23 Aug, 2007 10:33 pm

rikj wrote: An early 1900s view of the lodge and toilets which stood at the junction of Park Avenue fronting Soldiers Field Sportsground. The Gentlemen's public toilets are on the left and the ladies situated on the right. There is a horse and cart to the left of the lodge.Situated at the entrance of the park, the lodge was built in the classical style for Thomas Nicholson, who purchased Roundhay Park in 1803. He was of Chapel Allerton, a banker with shipping interests in London.Both quotes are from the descriptions of this and another photo on Leodis. Ican't say whether they are correct or not!The only other thing I can add is that on the '06 map a footpath goes from directly behind the lodge all the way to the lake, will try and get the map up later. (And the paint has now gone dry on me brush grrr). Those Victorians didn't skimp when it came to buildings.That has to be the most ornate p**s stone I've ever seen!!

rikj · Post by **rikj** » Fri 24 Aug, 2007 12:09 am

Eloquently put stevief. There are some pretty fine ones in the Civic Hall as well. We really need the "Lost toilets " thread starting soon!However, here's the 1906 map showing the building marked as a lodge. Princess Avenue was a dedicated tramway I think, rather than a road. The footpath started behind the lodge and is shown as the dotted line.As LS1 says, info seems to be scarce on this one.