WALPOLE PARK
Vista attraction
As the multi-million-pound
regeneration of Walpole
Park draws to a close,
Emilie Armstrong takes a
closer look at the historical
importance of what is
soon to be unveiled.
W
alpole Park was officially
handed over to the
public in 1901, but its
historical significance
dates back to 1800 – when Pitzhanger
Manor and around 28 acres of
surrounding land was sold to revered
architect Sir John Soane (1753-1837)
for the sum of £4,500.
In September last year, an ambitious
– yet immensely important – project
got under way to reveal the park’s
connection to Sir John Soane’s legacy,
as well as restore the park’s buildings
and landscape for all visitors to enjoy.
HERITAGE AT HEART
The stretch of land behind Pitzhanger
Manor – known as ‘the heritage core’
– has seen the most change, with the
landscape completely remodeled and
the original vista restored.
16
around ealing
Summer 2014
Features such as Soane’s stone
bridge have undergone delicate
masonry repairs, and the ancient cedar
trees have been carefully pruned. The
two original water features have been
recreated, and dozens of Regency
period varieties of trees, flowers and
shrubs have been planted.
Some areas of this stretch of
land will remain fenced-off until
the plants and grass have
successfully established.
WALLED KITCHEN
GARDEN
In Soane’s time, the
walled garden was a
haven of flowers, fruit
and vegetables, enclosed
by red brick walls with
arched entrances. He
took an interest in practical