North London Collegiate School Gardens HA8
(Photo: North London Collegiate School)
Open:
Saturday 13:00–17:00
Description:
North London Collegiate School now occupies the site of the magnificent palace and grounds of Canons, home of James Brydges, 1st Duke of Chandos (1674–1744).
James Brydges employed Richard Bradley and Tilleman Bobart, as garden designers, and Dr Desaguiliers to design the water features, including canals, lakes and fountains. The resulting spectacular garden was much admired by the duke’s contemporaries including Daniel Defoe, who considered it magnificent, especially the diagonal avenues. Alexander Pope thought it the epitome of bad taste and unnecessary extravagance.
On Brydges’s death, Canons was demolished and the materials auctioned for architectural salvage. William Hallett, a cabinet-maker and gentleman, purchased the site and remaining materials and built the present house from white Portland stone. Hallett consulted Humphry Repton on the creation of an idealised landscape, though he retained Brydges’ original layout.
Much of the present garden was designed in 1910 by the Arts and Crafts architect C.E. Mallows, possibly influenced by the work of the eminent designer Gertrude Jekyll. He created the architectural gardens and screen around the house, using some of the stone from James Brydges's palace, and a beautiful herbaceous border and walkway running the full length of the house. These gardens were considered to be among the greatest of the Edwardian era.
The lime-tree walk to the lake was probably replanted in the early 20th century and trees on Canons Drive were replanted in 1910. The gardens also boast spectacular cedars of Lebanon dating from the early 19th century.
In 1929 North London Collegiate School purchased the house and 10 acres of grounds. The rest of the land went to Harrow Council and became Canons Park, a public park.
School gardener:
Richard Jobling
Activities:
Refreshments, gardener present.
Entrance:
Null
Buses:
113, 142, 186
Stations:
Edgware, Canons Park
Car Parking:
Free parking.
Access:
Historic site - unsuitable for wheelchair access; gravel paths and steps.
Dogs:
Working assistance dogs only
Further information:
Nearby Gardens (click on names for details):
Last updated: 29/05/2008