Dating from 1874, Devonshire Park has long been an attraction within Eastbourne and the region, originally laid out with terraces, walks and a cricket ground. Later additions to Eastbourne’s oldest park included racquets and skating for the Victorian middle classes with the first tennis courts being laid out in 1880 and tournament in 1881.
The park was bordered by the Devonshire Baths which were constructed in 1874, the Winter Garden in 1875, the Devonshire Park Theatre in 1884 and the Indian Pavilion in 1891. All of these were built by the Devonshire Park & Baths Company, of which the 7th Duke of Devonshire was the main shareholder.
Now demolished, at the time the Devonshire Baths were the largest heated salt water baths in the country.
The Indian Pavilion was taken down to make way for the Congress Theatre in 1963.
With a history stretching back over 140 years, the face of Devonshire Park has changed over time but remained popular with residents and visitors.
