The history of Bushy Park, near Hampton Court, can be traced back some 4,000 years, but this month, after more than a decade of planning, the focus is on a newer addition: the Upper Lodge Water Gardens.
Originally commissioned by the Earl of Halifax in around 1710, the Water Gardens stretched almost a kilometre in length. There were pools and cascades, basins and even a canal. At their height, the Bushy Water Gardens were, according to the 18th century garden designer, Stephen Switzer, ‘Without doubt, one of the best works of that kind in England, and perhaps as good as any else where.’
Between now and then the Water Gardens have enjoyed a colourful past: the Upper Lodge, which overlooks the gardens, was converted into a hospital for Canadian soldiers during World War I, and barracks were set up there in World War II. The pools have been used as swimming pools for East End children with respiratory problems, and for mine testing. During the Cold War, a tank was set up next to the Water Gardens and used to develop guided missiles and submarine research.
And now? £780, 000 later, ponds have been dredged, the cascade constructed, the grounds landscaped and a footpath installed. Trees have even been removed to re-create the view between the Water Gardens and the Brewhouse — built by the Earl of Halifax to provide his workers with beer. Everything has been done, in short, so as to re-create the vista that the earl commissioned 300 years ago as closely as possible. All that’s missing is the workers and the beer.
The gardens will be open from 9am to dusk Thursdays - Sundays only until November 10 to allow for ongoing landscape work. From then on the Water Gardens will be open every day except Mondays (Bank Holidays excepted, when the gardens will be closed on Tuesdays).
Find out more fantastic reasons to visit London.
