Peel Park – Sir Robert Peel

1846 - Built on the Lark Hill estate, Peel Park in Salford was one of the first free public parks established by public conscription.

Sir Robert Peel was a former Prime Minister, famed for modernising the country's social economic policies. He limited hours that women and children worked in factories; repealed the corn laws; and ensured cheap bread for the population. With an increasing interest in health and activity, Peel was behind the opening of the park in 1846 giving locals access to parkland and leisure time. It was so popular that on bank holidays it was not unusual for a million people to visit the park.