In 1876, one hundred years after Boston Castle was built, the land which surrounded the castle became Rotherham’s first recreation ground.

Part of this land was formerly a quarry from which the familiar Rotherham red sandstone was quarried and used to build some of the towns finest Victorian buildings.

At the instigation of Alderman John Guest, in 1873 a memorial signed by a large number of the towns leading inhabitants was presented to the Town Council requesting that the land, which was known as Boston Hillside, be acquired for Rotherham’s first public park.

The council readily agreed and an approach was made to Henry 2nd Earl of Effingham, who promptly agreed and granted a 40 year lease at an annual rental of £50.

The officially opening of the park was on 4th July 1876 a date chosen to mark the centenary of the day of American Independence.

After a memorable opening ceremony attended by many local dignitaries the park was declared open to the public.

The original plantation included a senior and junior cricket ground, croquet and bowling greens and an open area for gymnastics. The park soon became a place which was much enjoyed by the ordinary townsfolk of Rotherham. [view the original plantation]

The park also became famous for its wonderful carpet bedding and floral displays, which were laid out by Mr Henry Albistan, the first curator of the park, who also resided in the castle

Upwards of 40,000 plants were laid out including two special varieties of lobelia named Boston Castle and Rotherham Park

The park was finally bought by Rotherham Corporation in 1902.