Watts Park and Southampton Cenotaph, Southampton

Watts Park, also referred to as West Park, is a historic green space in Southampton, named in honor of Isaac Watts, one of the city’s most celebrated figures. Isaac Watts, born in 1674, was a renowned hymn writer, philosopher, and educator, with his hymn “Our God, Our Help in Ages Past” still chimes from the Civic Centre clock daily. The park, constructed between 1854 and 1866, sits within a network of several parks in Southampton’s Old Town, forming a peaceful, green retreat that blends history with natural beauty.

At the eastern edge of Watts Park stands the Southampton Cenotaph, a prominent First World War memorial designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens. Unveiled in 1920, the cenotaph is the first of Lutyens' many war memorials and served as the model for his later designs, including the iconic Cenotaph in London. The monument, with its striking multi-tiered pylon and sculptural details, features a sarcophagus with a recumbent figure of a soldier atop it, symbolizing those who lost their lives in the war. The names of the fallen are inscribed on three sides, and a Stone of Remembrance sits before it. Due to its historical and architectural significance, the cenotaph was designated a Grade I listed structure in 2015.

In addition to its historical elements, Watts Park also houses the 'Enclosure' sculpture by Paul De Monchaux, added in 2000. This four-meter-high stone structure frames key landmarks of the park, adding a contemporary touch to its classical features. Together, Watts Park and the Southampton Cenotaph stand as enduring symbols of the city’s rich history and reverence for those who served during times of war.