The Oaks information boards

In the Summer of 2009 The Friends of Honeywood Museum were closely involved in the initial excavation of the mansion house at Oaks Park; once the racing seat of Lord Edward Stanley, 12th Earl of Derby, after whom the great Epsom races were named.
 
The Friends excavated the outline of the house and this was marked out in chalk lines by the Borough's Parks Department. The current 19th Earl of Derby paid a visit to the site of his ancestor's house, planted a memorial Oak tree and presented an example of the famous Stanley black and white racing colours to the Borough. These are now proudly displayed in Honeywood Museum.

One thing was lacking and that was information in the park telling the story of the great house and some of its occupants.

Raising interest straight away

​Local historians and Friends members Paul Williams and John Phillips created the text and artwork to fill five information panels within the park. After a long delay these were installed on the 10 July 2012 and bring life once again to the story of The Oaks.
 
Paul’s two-part history of The Oaks is available from Honeywood Museum’s shop.

A fine addition

Near the Grotto garden

Basque, south side of Bakehouse

By the lower gate

Basque board close up

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​All images and text on this page are Copyright © Paul Williams 2012