The history of Holden Park
Holden Park? Never heard of it! Where's that then?
Holden Park is also known locally as Oakworth Park and many villagers refer to it as such although it has never been 'officially' named Oakworth Park. There are also some mentions of it being called Oakworth Recreation Ground a long time ago.
There is a record of a quarry where the grottoes stand today and this is mentioned on an old map as being called Lidget Quarry, although this has been difficult to confirm beyond this one reference.
A house belonging to Sarah Sugden stood where the bowling green stands today.
Sarah married Isaac Holden and her house was gradually converted by him into Oakworth House. Rumour has it that he did it by stealth, telling her sections were condemned and needed replacing. This house took ten years to build at a cost of £80,000. The grottoes, mosaic floors and the huge glasshouses and dome cost a further £120,000 to build. Sir Isaac used French and Italtian craftsmen to build these features which, along with the bowling club building, summerhouse and portico, are all that remains of his magnificent creation.