Nevern Square SW5

Open:

Saturday 10:00–17:00 + Sunday 10:00–17:00

Description:

Nevern Square was built between 1880 and 1886 in the Domestic Revival Style. It was named after the village of Nevern in Pembrokeshire, where local landowners the Edwardes family, had their country seat.

The square itself was constructed between 1880 and 1886, to the designs of William Graves. The east, north and south sides, of uniform design, were built by Robert Whitaker. The garden was an integral part of the original layout. In those days the residents paid an annual rent of two guineas for the maintenance of the garden.

After Robert Whitaker's death in 1885, the west side, was completed by George Whitaker in the red-and-yellow brick style known as ‘Domestic Revival', which contrasts sharply with the white stucco-fronted houses of the surrounding streets. At first-floor level there are continuous balconies with delicately patterned iron railings.

The land remained in private hands until 1974, when the local residents formed a non-profit-making company to buy it. In 1978 the Kensington Improvement Act of 1851 was applied to the square, thus ensuring a regular income for the maintenance of the garden.

During WW2 the railings were taken down and the north gate was destroyed by a flying bomb. The railings were replaced in 1979 and a replica Victorian gate was constructed in 2005.

The garden’s seven magnificent plane trees probably formed part of the original planting, and there are 28 other varieties of tree. The plan is quite simple, consisting of a large lawn with a circular central bed, surrounded by gravel paths and borders planted with a mixture of shrubs and herbaceous plants. In recent years new shrubs and plants have been added to liven up the borders. Since most of the beds get little direct sunlight, they offer an example of the diversity of plants which can be grown in these conditions. There is also a small play area for children.

Contract gardeners:

Joseph Jones – Hamish and Eileen

Activities:

Hemingford Saxophone Quartet, Sunday 2–4pm

Entrance:

East side of square
Sells tickets.

Buses:

C1, C3, 74, 328

Station:

Earls Court

Access:

Difficult: gravel paths.

Dogs:

Working assistance dogs only

Further information:

• Street Map (in new window)