A man who ancestors created and gifted a a city one of its most popular parks has spoken of his delight at visiting it for the very first time. Located in the heart of Durham City, Wharton Park is a firm favourite with both residents and visitors thanks to its beautiful floral displays, children’s play areas, community garden and stunning views of Durham Cathedral and Castle. The park is owned and maintained by Durham County Council, but it was originally created by William Lloyd Wharton in 1857.
William was an influential figure in County Durham, serving as High Sheriff and as a director of North Eastern Railway. He was also a trained lawyer, a keen astronomer and helped to launch the annual Durham Regatt event, which took place for the 191st time last weekend. On William’s death, Wharton Park passed to his nephew John Lloyd Wharton, and later his daughter, Mary Dorothea Darwin, known as Marnie, who gifted the park to the City of Durham after her father passed away in 1912.
For Richard Wharton, a retired doctor from Bath, news that there is a park bearing his name in the North East of England came as a wonderful surprise. Richard’s great, great grandfather was William’s elder brother, and Richard is one of his closest living relatives bearing the Wharton surname. When he was growing up, Richard’s father never spoke about his past, and it was not until he started to research his ancestry a few years ago that he discovered the extent of the Wharton family’s legacy .
