Morning folks. I know this place is a hub of the entire world knowledge.... I've come across a term, that Mr google can't give me a straight answer. The term "Monkey Park" It's a term used to describe or name a small row of terraced houses, primarily in a mining area. There is a number of monkey Park's in villages around Chesterfield, I live in clowne and people still refer to monkey park, even though the terraces there have long since gone. There are also monkey parks noted in, grassmoor, dronfield, hasland, unstone and others. Now I know it's a slang term, but can't find any information as to the actual history of where the term comes from. Some say it's a derogatory term, some say it's it's something to do with the air shafts.... Has anyone else heard this term and can anyone shed any light??? Here's hoping....
I'm bored of the day job already. Found this link but it means nothing to me but might help ........ http://www.chesterfieldforum.net/threads/unstone-dunston-monkey-park-and-brushes.5954/
Cheers mate. I read this, and although it states what and where they are, it doesn't give an concrete explanation of the term.... Why monkey park? How is this meant at a derogatory term? The area in clowne is also known as mount pleasant, which sounds lovely, but is also known as monkey park... which doesn't sound good!
Not sure if this is relevant but my in laws were from Sheffield , I remember them telling me it was common practise for groups of teenagers to go to the Park on a Sunday morning with a view to finding boy and girlfriends...it was known as 'The Monkey run '.
Almost, but not quite Marlon, It's a little further round passed Volmec Uk and Hutchisons Haulage yard. Some may remember a builders merchants called Wylde and Hardy 's. Monkey park is actually a large garden that belongs to Shepcote House, don't know the current occupiers but it's once belonged to Ronnie Swaine (RIP) who founded the Rythmn & Booze empire. I Was born and bred in Kendray and spent many hours playing around there. There used to be 2 really tall trees in the middle and we were chased off them regularly. Ronnie had them chopped down. I now live quite close to there and had forgotten about it being called Monkey Park.
could it stem from the boys coming down from Hartlepool to work in the mines and then all living in the same area...thus monkey park referring to where they all lived
When I was s youngun ( admittedly many many years ago ) monkey park was the grassed area between where the carpet shop is and where rhythm n booze used to be . That was always monkey park to us and one time some toilets were erected at the bottom and park u benches and flower beds.dont know If they are still there ,I know the toilet blocks gone.
