Philips Park

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Philips Park lies in the lower part of Clayton, a district of Manchester. The park opened on 1846-08-22, making it the world's first municipal park^[1]. The name 'Philips' comes from Mark Philips, who was a main supporter of a public fund raising campaign to which Sir Robert Peel, the then Prime Minister, contributed.

Two archaeological finds have been made in the park: a Roman coin minted in the reign of Emperor Gallienus and a halberd (type of spear) dating back to the 16th Century. The park is home to a lodge, which for some years was in neglect but restored to community use. The park previously home to two other buildings, also. Recent plans to move Clayton Farm to Philips Park has been made, and is expected to be carried out late 2006.