7 Severn

Lightwoods Park, with Lightwoods House and Shakespeare Garden. Adkins Lane Smethwick.

A unique feature here – in relation to other Smethwick Parks – is that it is in two parts. Separated by Galton Road.

On the lower gradient, the first part – Adkins Lane to Lightwoods Hill, is home to the main features: –
* Lightwoods House.
* Shakespeare Garden.
* Water Fountain.
* Bandstand.
* Cycle/Skateboard area.
* Children’s Play area.

I remember in the 1970’s and 80’s, going to the spring and summer fairs.
Back then, what is now the Cycle/Skateboard area. Was a paddling pool.
There was also a Bowling Green opposite the house – maybe a little further in.

On the higher gradient, crossing over Galton Road – is another Water Fountain and the Football Pitch.

Lightwoods House

There are only two things that I can say I know of the houses history.
1/ The house was used as an Auxiliary Hospital  
     during The Great War of 1914 – 1918.
2/ I also recall it being home to an Artist Studio.

I will add here that I have witnessed the demolition of a great many of the more grandiose buildings within the area – whether rightly or wrongly. So it is of great importance to see this house not only survive, yet welcome others to enjoy both it and the surroundings too.

Nowadays. It is available for hire.
I attended a wedding here myself in August 2022. Which was well organised and presented.

It was the first time I had been inside the house. Also a great personal opportunity to dream a little. As far as my being in the house was concerned, I was looking at it as though it were my own.

Shakespeare Garden

From my earliest recollections of the garden in the mid to late 1970’s. I liked visiting, as it somehow felt a little different being here. And at the same time quite funny to me, as there were raised beds. The significance of that, was due to my short stature back then, I could barely see the top of the beds. There was really nothing for me to see – unless the plants were well established. Much to the amusement of my dad – yet it enabled us to share a laugh.

The naming of the garden, is in reference to the plants that appear in the writings and plays of William Shakespeare.

Thank you for reading.

In our next post, we’re visiting Warley Woods and Park.