Members of a family with close links to a Derry park travelled from all over the world to see its transformation for themselves today.
Members of the Gwyn family gathered in Derry for a very special visit to Brooke Park where their ancestor John Gwyn bequeathed a small fortune to establish the former Gwyn’s Institute and grounds.
The city’s first orphanage was constructed in 1839 using £40,000 left by Donegal businessman John Gwyn, who was himself orphaned at an early age.
He remained a bachelor throughout his life enabling him to leave his fortune to disadvantaged children by providing the home as stipulated in his will.
Today, the park has undergone a major transformation with support from Derry City and Strabane District Council, The Heritage Lottery Fund and the Department for Communities NI.
A new chapter in the Gwyn legacy begins when the Gwyn’s Pavilion opens its doors on the site where the local philanthropist’s fortune created a home for local boys.
The members of the Gwyn family were today given a tour of the new-look Brooke Park by Colin Kennedy from Derry City and Strabane District Council who has been in charge of the ongoing work at the park.
See Monday’s Derry News for more coverage on today’s visit.
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