History

The origins of Platt

In 1225 the estate became the property of the Platt family, who occupied the lands for the succeeding four centuries. Platt Hall, which still exists today and houses a costume museum, was built in 1746 in Georgian design and is now a listed building. 1n 1907, when the estate was put up for sale at a cost of £59,975- a resolution was passed recommending the Corporation buy Platt Fields site for public use. In 1908/09, when there was high unemployment, over 700 men were given work on laying out the park, constructing the lake and island and planting banks with trees and shrubs.

Nico Ditch

"Part of the Very Ancient Mickle or Great Ditch sometimes called Nico Ditch Well-known A.D.1200. Extending over Five Miles from here to Ashton Moss and Bounding Several Townships Described fully in Vol. xxiii. of Lancashire and Cheshire Antiquarian Society". The above quote has been lifted from the inscribed stone placard situated beside Nico ditch, which runs through the park. The ditch is said to have formed a defensive line against Danish or Viking raiders attacking up the Mersey. The story is that it was dug in the space of one night - quite a feat in the nineteenth century-as it measures at five miles, 183 yards.