Address: West Bank Park, 5 Hill St, Acomb, York, YO24 4JB
Description
Once affixed to a weeping willow tree in West Bank Park, a white metal sign warned, ‘Cycling Prohibited, Offenders Prosecuted, Chief Constable’.
Over time, the tree has grown around the sign, obscuring most of the text, leaving only a few words visible.
West Bank Park, a 16-acre expanse located in the heart of Holgate, is about a 30-minute walk west of York’s city centre.
The park, accessible from Holgate Road, New Lane, Hamilton Drive, and James Backhouse Place, features mature woodlands and a former arboretum at its northern end near Acomb Road.
Source: West Bank Park
It is home to many specimen trees, including a giant redwood. These trees notably mark the historical entrance to the Backhouse Estate, and the area attracts a variety of bird species such as the long-tailed tit, and greater spotted woodpecker.
History
The park’s history dates back to its opening by the Lord Mayor of York on 28th July 1938.
Originally, the site comprised the private garden and house of James Backhouse, along with his son and grandson, who built the house in 1840.
This property was surrounded by 12 acres of private grounds next to expansive botanic nursery gardens. Over the years, many rare trees were planted, and renowned alpine rock gardens were developed.
In 1910, the third James Backhouse sold the house and garden to Sir James Hamilton, although the nursery gardens were not sold until 1921.
Sir James resided there until his death in 1935.
James Backhouse’s house, built in 1840 Source: West Bank Park
After Sir James’s death, the city began negotiations to purchase West Bank with the aim of fulfilling his wish to transform it into a public park.
In 1938, the house and gardens were acquired from his estate for £3,500, establishing West Bank Park as a cherished green space in York.
The same sign, affixed to Lendal Tower
Interestingly, this isn’t the only municipal ghost sign in York implemented by the police; another one can be seen on the trough at Clifton Green.
Got thoughts or a story to share about this iconic sign? We’re all ears—drop your comments below and join the conversation!