The Venue

Old Warps

The first mention of the 'Old Warps' estate dates from the 16th century where the name 'Olerwarp' appears in rental records for the years 1541 and 1557

The name 'Old Warps' (mysteriously recorded as 'Hale warp' in 1770) refers to the nearby loop or 'warp' in the Mersey which was subject to severe silting and caused many boats to run aground. Close to Black Bear Bridge, 'Old Warps' was near an ancient ford over the River Mersey that was used since about 8000 BC. It remained the only major crossing of the river until the middle of the 13th Century

In 1724 a series of weirs were built on the Mersey and the 'hell hole' was lost. Over the next 100 years the ox bow that was left was filled in and became part of what was to become the 'Old Warps' estate.

Between 1830 and the 1840's 'Old Warps' estate was owned by a Miss or Mrs Clarke and the estate was farmed by George & Joseph Whittle. The 'Old Warps' lodge building was extensively renovated during this period by J.Gibson who also helped renovate Warrington parish church.

Between 1843 & 1857 John Dakin (of Dakin & Banks, grocers and general dealers) occupied by George Dakin who made several attempts to sell the lodge and estate. The Warrington Guardian of 7th September 1861 reports that at an auction of the estate in 1861 the bids failed to reach the reserved price. Alderman Joseph Davies finally purchased the Lodge in 1868 although Joseph Dakin appears to have stayed on as a tenant.

Alderman Joseph Davies died in 1895 and in January his son Mr. J.E. Davies sold the estate to Warrington Council who wanted to turn it into a park to improve conditions for the local working class people of Latchford, many of whom lived in cramped industrial terraced housing. The Council retained the 'Old Warps' lodge but renamed the remainder of the estate 'Victoria Park' to mark the Queen's Diamond jubilee year. In 1912 a suspension bridge was built from Howley across to Victoria Park. It should have been a 60 foot wide bridge to relieve traffic at Bridge Foot but insufficient funds meant that only the footbridge was constructed. The area's first municipal bowling green was opened in 1905 and the area's first public tennis court in 1920.

In July 1917 the lodge was turned over to the Warrington Council Health Committee for use as a temporary maternity home. The lodge continued to be used as a maternity home until 1982.

In 1990, the 'Old Warps' lodge was registered as a care home for the elderly registered as 'Park Manor'.

Finally, on Friday 4th December 2008, we opened the doors of the previously titled 'Old Warps' lodge and Park Manor to welcome everyone in to enjoy their magical wedding day in Park Manor Weddings.