This was supposed to have been given to the Abbey by Queen Mathilda, wife of William the Conqueror, as the site for a fair to be held on St. Aldhelms's feast day, 25th May. In Norman times this extended over a number of days varying from three to eight. With the passage of time the area became privately owned. However in 1933 the Luce family presented it to the town for use as a recreation ground in memory of Charles Luce, the first Mayor and his son, Admiral John Luce, who had died the previous year. In 1948 a children's play area was constructed.
Source: Charles Vernon
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