Wolverton Park
HERITAGE
Modern in design, Wolverton Park also pays homage to its rich historical past. The Royal and The Triangle have been meticulously restored in close collaboration with English Heritage. Original features have been preserved and enhanced, treating the listed buildings with the respect they deserve, without sacrificing cutting edge style.
Wolverton
The coming of the railway in the 1830s marked the beginning of a prosperous era in Wolverton: the population increasing from 417 to 2,370 within 30 years. There was fierce opposition to the railway from the Grand Junction Canal Company which was concerned that it would take freight trade away from the canal. Disputes, sabotage and landslides caused great problems during the construction of the 2.5 kilometre long railway embankment and the viaduct at the eastern end of the park, but they were finally completed in 1838.
The Royal Train Shed
Designed by C A Park in 1889, The Royal Train Shed is a remarkable building, which was initially used as a lifting shed for the repair of railway carriages. For many years it was home to the Royal Train, Duchess of Hamilton.
Triangular Building
The Triangular Building was constructed in 1845 as locomotive workshops, where the first national train engines were designed, produced and maintained.
The Park
The 2.5 acres of parkland was originally developed by the LNWR Company for the recreational use of its employees. It comprised a running track, cycle track, football pitch, bowling lawn and tennis court.
The Grand Union Canal
The Grand Union Canal, or Grand Junction Canal as it was called until 1929, was built between 1793 and 1805 to link London with the industrial Midlands and the North. A wide range of goods was carried by horse-drawn narrowboats during its industrial heyday. One of the last sections to be completed was the crossing of the River Ouse at Wolverton. This required the construction of the Iron Trunk Aqueduct, a spectacular structure that spans the river at a height of 10.8 metres. The canal is no longer an industrial link but is a popular pleasure boating and walking route.
The part of the Grand Union Canal running through Wolverton Park and its banks is being carefully restored to attract wildlife back to the area, providing a lovely place for walkers and birdwatchers.
