(Photo: Nevern Square Garden Committee)
Open:
Saturday 10:00–17:00
+ Sunday 10:00–17:00
Description:
Nevern Square, built between 1880 and 1886, was named after the village of Nevern in Pembrokeshire, where local landowners the Edwardes family, had their country seat.
William Graves designed the square, the garden 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.
The east, north and south sides (of uniform design) were built by Robert Whitaker. After his 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. Note the continuous first-floor 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, ensuring a regular income for the maintenance of the garden.
During WW2 the railings were taken down and the north gate destroyed by a flying bomb. The railings were replaced in 1979 and a replica Victorian gate 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 simple layout consists of a large lawn with a circular central bed, surrounded by gravel paths and borders planted with a mixture of shrubs and herbaceous plants.
New shrubs and plants have livened up the borders in recent years. Most of the beds get little direct sunlight, and they offer an example of the diversity of plants that 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:
Nearby Gardens (click on names for details):
Last updated: 03/07/2009