Edward Stratford was the last member of the historic Stratford family to own the piece of land which had been recorded as part of Stroud since 1307. He sold it to a Stroud mercer called Nathaniel Gardner in 1653 after the civil war, and the house still has a stone with the initials C.G.1674 for his son Giles Gardner. Joseph Watts, a Stroud brewer who died in 1855, owned the house from 1819. However, his grandson Joseph Watts Hallewell J.P., D.L., M.A., focused his interests of the extensive grounds, and changed the estate's name from Stratford House to Stratford Park - hosting the 1870 Gloucestershire Agricultural Show.Gloucester Journal 13 August 1970 http://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000532/18700813/057/0006 The first Stroud Flower Show appears to have taken place the following year on Thursday 17 August 1871 Gloucester Journal Saturday 19 August 1871 http://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000393/18710819/055/0005 and appears to have continued on an annual basis with the last being on 19 August 1875Gloucester Journal 21 August 1875 http://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000532/18750821/084/0007 Joseph Watts Hallewell died at Stratford Park on 24 February 1891 Gloucester Citizen 24 February 1891 http://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000325/18910224/029/0004 and was buried at Pitchcombe Citizen Monday 2 March 1891. http://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000325/18910302/016/0003 The Park was sold by the executors to George Holloway MP by an auction conducted by Bruton Knowles at £10,800.Gloucester Chronicle 20 June 1891 http://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000393/18910620/037/0005
