The Goswells
| The Goswells | |
|
National Trust | |
|---|---|
 The Royal Windsor Maze on The Goswells | |
| Grid reference: | SU964771 |
| Location: | 51°29’5"N, -0°36’45"W |
| Information | |
| Website: | www.rbwm.gov.uk/web/parks_the_goswells.htm |
The Goswells are a small park and garden beside the River Thames in Windsor in Berkshire, reached on Goswell Road, opposite Alexandra Gardens. The park stretches to 2.7 acres.
Facilities in the Goswells
- The Jubilee Fountain
- Brick in Grass Puzzle Path
- Bowling Green (home pitch of the Windsor and Eton Bowling Club)
- Tennis courts, free to use
The Jubilee Fountain
The Jubilee Fountain was installed in 2012 to mark the Diamond Jubilee of the town's greatest resident: Queen Elizabeth II. It is an ornamental water feature is made up of a long canal, with a line of dramatic vertical jets. At the centre of the canal is the main pool which houses 'the crown' - a raised stone bowl with concentric rings of water jets culminating to a magnificent geyser at its centre.
The dynamic feature uses timers to vary the display and is enhanced by lighting from below the water. The area around the water feature has been landscaped to create a new garden with ornamental planting, and seating.
History
The Goswells were create in the Victorian period. In those days, this area below the castle walls was not a piece with the stately town we know today but was a slum. It was cleared, and The Goswells, as we know it today were created.
In 1910 the Goswells were bought by public subscription and donated to the National Trust, in order to preserve the view of the castle from Alexandra Gardens, dating from 1902, a short distance further west.
In Spring 2011 a refurbishment of The Goswells was undertaken. This work included installation of a new path and street lighting and works to the avenue of trees. The path has been constructed from block paving with chequered panels of granite setts at regular intervals. Traditional-style hanging lanterns have been installed above each granite panel, and at each end of the path there is an ornamental arch and lantern.