The Lodges

Originally Baxter Park had two lodges: the Southwest Lodge and the smaller Northwest Lodge. It was thought that a more elaborate lodge represented the important role of park’s maintenance staff and this was symbolised by the grandeur of the Southwest Lodge, which aimed to set the tone of the Park for first time visitors.

The Southwest Lodge sat by elaborate gates of the Park’s main entrance. It served as the home of the Park Superintendent and was where, in the 19th century, the Park’s Trustees held their meetings and discussed events and developments of the Park. As well as supervising the work done across the Park, the Superintendent was in charge of opening and closing its gates each day.

By the 20th century the Southwest Lodge was proving costly to maintain, particularly as it was rarely used. After long discussion it was finally demolished in 1958. Restoring the building to enhance the character of the park has been considered but decided against; so little of the original building remains, any reconstruction would be considered inauthentic.  

The Northwest Lodge housed a Park Keeper who held a more ‘hands on’ role within the Park. In 1871, the Lodge was marked as the ‘Gardener’s House’ and today is classified as a C listed building. 

                                                 The Rockery

                                           Activities in the Park

                                               Then and Now