Open:

Sunday 14:00–17:00

Description:

A beautiful Georgian square with a fine collection of trees, shrubs and plants, first laid out between 1776 and 1788. A major replanting programme took place in 2006–8.

The square is named after the Duke of Manchester, who built a house (then called Manchester House) on the north side in 1777, attracted by the good duck shooting in the area. In 1797 the 2nd Marquess of Hertford acquired the lease and it became known as Hertford House.

In the 19th century it was home to Sir Richard Wallace (1818–90), illegitimate son of the 4th Marquess, who displayed much of the Hertford family’s fabulous collection of fine and decorative arts here. In 1897 Lady Wallace left it to the nation as the Wallace Collection.

Hertford House today is a rare example of a London town house occupying the whole side of a garden square. A church originally planned for the centre of the square was never built.

Contract gardener:

Joseph Jones

Activities:

Come and relax on the lawn in our beautiful garden. Bring your own deckchairs and rugs.

Entrance:

Opposite Hinde Street, leading from Marylebone High Street
Nearest postcode: W1U 3AB
Sells tickets.

Bus:

Any bus along Oxford Street or Baker Street.

Stations:

Bond Street, Baker Street

Access:

One very shallow step at entrance; gravel paths.

Dogs:

Working assistance dogs only

Further information:

• Street Map
• Map of nearby gardens
• Printable version