Gargoyle stones in wigan park

who knows what they mean theres 12 of them all around the park with markings on them, theres some in Haigh hall aswell? kids did a treasure hunt and had to copy the markings, but what do they mean?

I don't know, Custard. I hope someone can solve the mystery - I'd love to know more about them, too.

Mesnes Park Restoration Project has some interesting information about the park, but there's no mention of the 'stones'.

Here you go Jo Anne.....

The legendary Stones show in London's Hyde Park in July 1969. Mick Jagger opens reading an excerpt from Shelley's poem "Adonais" and releases hundreds of butterflies in tribute to the death of Brian Jones. Songs include: "Jumpin' Jack Flash," "I'm Free," "Honky Tonk Women," "Midnight Rambler,".

Did they sing 'Paint it Black though, Xrh?! That's my husband's favourite song - but he'd have only been a toddler then.

The stones in Mesnes Park are definitely not rolling - I think I've seen moss on them!
Some of them do hide in the bushes and trees, mind you!

"She would never say where she came from, yesterday doesn't matter if it's gone". This is the opening line of my favourite Stones song. Any one know which song?

Ruby Tuesday, Granada.

With a bit of cheating!...

Well done Joanne I don't mind if you cheated, while its you I'll let you off! Great tune and great lyrics.

They were sculpted by local artist Brian Taylor - or Ian Murphy I think!!! as to their meanings, aren't they supposed to be animals or something? will have to go and have another look!

the ones in Haigh hall in the walled gardens have animals on them, the ones in the park have like gargoyles and markings on the sides!

I have got a photo, but am trying to work out how to re-size it!

I sent an email to Andrew Bond, Parks Regeneration Manager and he kindly replied as follows:

"the stone gargoyle trail was installed by a former colleague within Wigan Leisure & Culture Trust some years ago.

It was intended to create some interactive play utilising the whole park, a mini orienteering course if you like.

I cannot recall the exact details (10 or 12) but I do know that one is missing so we now either have 9 or 11.

There is an accompanying plan and scribble box to record the symbols on the stones to prove that the stones have been visited. Copies of the plans can be obtained from Sharon Saunders - Parks & Countryside Activities Manager.

Hope that helps."

"by a former colleague" hehehe! So they don't know either!

The more I think about it more sure I am it was Ian Murphy - although . . .

Presume he means the trail was instituted by one of his fellows as opposed to the artist . . .

By eck Jo Anne tha like a bulldog when tha gets thi teeth into summat,well done!

I'd still like to know who the artist was though, Xrh.

And I wonder if the missing stone is in someone's garden?!



I've looked up Ian Murphy/Brian Taylor on www.wlct.org, Ian, but had no luck finding anything more out.

Whoever created them, and the trail in Mesnes Park, did a great job.

"And I wonder if the missing stone is in someone's garden?!" more likley to be in the pond.

If it is, it might be found when the park's restoration is taking place, Xrh.

Could be Jo!

thanks everyone, going to the park at the weekend so we will count the stones, last time we went we found 12, didnt know one had gone missing!

Jo-anne There's a site under Wigan artists network - know both of them and sure it was one of them!

www.artistswigan.co.uk

Thank you, Ian.
It's an interesting site, but a bit sparse in places. I found Brian Taylor's name, but couldn't find Ian Murphy?

I've sent an email to ask if anyone can help solve the mystery of the Mesnes Gargoyles!

Here's the reply to my email.

"I recollect them being by Tony Unsworth, but I may be wrong. I have emailed the Parks Liason officer for you.

Best wishes

Martyn Lucas
Visual Arts Officer
Turnpike Gallery"

Whoops! could be right! I did know them all - including Martin Lucas! it's a shame when age gets to you innit!

meds time Ian ?

Every bl**dy night she comes on here and says that - well! so WHAT if it's true??? Oh go on then . . . can i take them with cider? pleeeeeese?

go on then lol

Here's the email from the Parks Liason officer :

"Thank you for your enquiry about the stone trail in Mesnes Park. The gargoyles were created by an artist called Tony Unsworth in 1992. It does get a bit woolly from here on in as we don't have too many staff who were around then and are still here, but we think the stones were crafted for play areas (clearly not in the case of Mesnes Park) and are meant to be 'greenmen' who are ancient guardians of greenspace."

hi, gargoyles!!! who cares get our Boer War statue back-see there's no mention ofthat!!!!.

I actually like the 'gargoyles', Vera. They add character and fun to the park.

Here's the Boer War Statue.


Photograph by Ron Hunt in WW Album, Places - Mesnes Park

When was the statue removed from Mesnes Park? I don't think I ever remember seeing it there.

I've found a newstory on wigantoday.net: Mesnes War Memorial on the Move, 22nd January, 2008.

"As part of the £3.4m makeover of Mesnes Park, a relocation of the memorial from its current home outside the pavilion to the gateway entrance on Parson's Walk is being considered.
It could mean the statue of the soldier that once stood on the plinth could be making a comeback after more than two decades.

Paid for by public subscription at the turn of the century the weather-beaten soldier was reportedly thrown to the bottom of the park's compost heap some 20 years ago because it had become so run down.

Under the new recommendations the statue could be replaced with a more robust version.

WLCT'S parks regeneration manager Andy Bond said: "This is a recommendation at the moment and it will still be retained in the park in a high profile spot. It's current location wasn't part of the original design. The original design intended a stunning pavilion vista.
"If we could agree on a concept within the overall development and move we would support the re-instatement of the monument.

"But not out of Carrera Marble like before. There would have to be a compromise so that we are replacing the figure with something more robust and in the right location. We would work with people to see what route we could go to find funds."

Work on revamping the park will start in earnest in September with the pavilion and bandstand the main thrust of a multi-million pound plan to reinvigorate the park."

hi joanne,
I've nothing against the gargoyes but I do feelstrongly about the boer war statue asmy grandfather served in that conflict in the South Lancs rgt.
I am pleased to see that there are moves afoot to reinsall the statue ,but we'l have to wait and see.

We went to Mesnes Park last Sunday afternoon and had a great time charging about in search of the gargoyles/green men - we hadn't got a leaflet with us to help and only managed to locate 10.

*There are photocopies of the Stone Trail leaflet (which does have some additional information).

If you would like a copy then:

email S.Saunders@wlct.org
(Sharon Saunders -Parks and Countryside Activities Manager, WLCT)
or
contact the Rangers on 01942 245369.*

I want a decorative boulder for my garden

Roylondon!! lol

and keep off the gargoyles!

I've forwarded your profile to the Rangers just incase!

Resurrection and Telegram for Tonker (11: May)

Hunt the gargoyle - Mesnes Park Saturday 11th May, 1pm start

Lurking among the trees and bushes of Mesnes Park, are the stone faces of our secret Gargoyle friends. Can you help us find them?

Follow the clues and hunt down the stone gargoyles, then create your own paper Gargoyle to take home and keep, and finally head to Frederick’s and decorate your own delicious ice cream Gargoyle!

Family friendly activity.
Meet at the Playshack in the Play Area. £4 (includes walk, craft and ice cream).

Expect spouting off from Tonker.

'In architecture the term "grotesque" means a carved stone figure.

Grotesques are often confused with gargoyles, but the distinction is that gargoyles are figures that contain a water spout through the mouth, while grotesques do not.'

As Tonker once commented.

Do not resurrect

They 'are meant to be 'greenmen' who are ancient guardians of greenspace' - 16th Apr 2008 at 12:56.

They want to get some greenmen to protect the bloody bowling greens.