A monumental shift occurred after more than four and a half centuries of uninterrupted private stewardship by the Willoughby family. Wollaton Park, including its magnificent landscape and historic herds, transitioned into the hands of Nottingham City Council. This landmark acquisition immediately secured the future of the sprawling estate as a public deer park, opening its gates permanently to the citizens of Nottingham and beyond, and establishing it as one of the city’s most treasured green spaces.
We are continually working to ensure the accuracy of this timeline. Should you find any errors or omissions, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
1925
Hall Sold
To cover Willoughby family death duties, the hall is sold to Nottingham Corporation now Nottingham City Council. More information…
1926
Park Opens
1926: Hall opens as a Natural History Museum
1926: The park is opened to the public.
1927: Golf course opens.
1928
Royal Agricultural Show
King George V and Queen Mary visit. More Information…
Photo: Britian from Above.
1935
1939 – 1945
World War II
1940s: The Park is used as a military camp and training ground by the British Army.
1942: The park was handed over to the United States 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment. More information…
1945: Park used as a PoW Camp. More information…
1955
1971
Industrial Museum
The Industrial Museum opens. More Information…
The Beam Engine is installed in 1972. More information…
1970’s and 1980’s
Landscaping
Lake water level lowered to reduce pressure on the dam bank, and rock gabions installed. More information…
A programme of tree planting, including the Oak trees from the lake to Beeston Lodge, Oak trees from Parkside to lake, Horse Chestnuts for stable block to lake and the mini arboretum between Digby Avenue and Hall. More information…
1970’s
Wildlife
In the 1970 and 1980’s there were wild Donkies and Peacocks in the park, as well as White Cattle.
Photo credit: Jane Rhodes
1980
Botanic Garden
Nottingham Hardy Plant Society take stewardship of the enclosed site, transforming it into the Botanic Garden. More information…
Camellia House restored in 1983.
Bird Hide created by the lake.
Cricket Pitch in use by Pilkingtons field. Removed by 1998.
2005 – 2007
Hall Restoration
Wollaton Hall is granted £4.5 million from the Heritage Lottery Fund and undergoes a major restoration and refurbishment project.
Photo: Bernard Ellis, Facebook.
2011
Batman
Christopher Nolan’s epic superhero film, The Dark Knight Rises, transformed the Hall into Wayne Manor. More Information…
2013
Friends of Wollaton Park Formed
The Friends of Wollaton Park, formed to contribute to the upkeep of the park through volunteer efforts. More Information…
2014
Local Nature Reserve
Wollaton Park was designated as a Local Nature Reserve. This status protects part of the park for wildlife and public enjoyment, acknowledging its ecological importance within the community. It also helps protect the site from future development.
More infomation on the wildlife in the park.
2018
Walled Garden Restoration
Restoration of the Wollaton Walled Garden by volunteers began. More Information…
Present Day
The Story Continues
Follow the latest news and deveopments in the Park, Formal Garden and Walled Garden.
Photo: Russ Pearce
Information Sources
- Wollaton Hall website 🔗
- Wollaton Historical and Conservation Society 🔗
- Willoughby Family 🔗
- Nottingham Civic Society 🔗
- Industrial Museum website 🔗
- Conservation Plan for Wollaton Hall and Park, NCC 2002
- Restoration & Management Plan, NCC 2002 and 2009 Addendum
- Historic England 🔗
- University of Nottingham Manuscripts and Special Collections 🔗
- Transport Nottingham Wollaton Park Walk Appendix 🔗
- Pall Mall Magazine, 1900
- Country Life Magazine, 1900
- “Short History of Wollaton and Wollaton Hall”, Sheila Strauss, 1978
- “Park for all Seasons”, Rachel Marshal, 1996
- “The Landscape of Wollaton Park”, Stephen Daniels…, Nottingham University 1999
- “Wollaton Hall and the Willoughby Family”, Pamela Marshall, 1999
- “Wollaton Park Nature Trail”, NCC, Dr Sheila Wright, 1999
- “Great Nottinghamshire Gardens”, Philip Jones, 2001
- Sutton Passeys Conservation Area Character Appraisal and Management Plan 2010 🔗
- Other sources as cited inline.
Timeline created by Colin Robbins.