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Memorial Gardens, Ashford

Introduction

The features of the memorial garden and public open space include a sunken amphitheatre, pier, moorings, wide lawns, flowering fruit trees and fountains. The gardens also include two stainless steel gateways, designed by Anthony Robinson, depicting flying swans.

A civic consciousness about this garden confirms its status as a serene and secluded setting for the war memorial, which is approached from both east and west memorial gates by an avenue of chestnut trees.

Links with Europe are celebrated in tapestry bedding, depicting the escutcheons of Ashford and her twinned towns of Fougéres and Bad Munstereifel.

Flowering trees and shrubs bring colour to each season, and in the special garden, made in association with Quest International, the fragrance of aromatic plants, the wind chimes and birdsong liven the senses.

Nearby Vicarage Field, formerly the graveyard of St. John's Hospital, was acquired in 1951. It is a small green square with lime trees and shrubs, central to the town.

Visitor Access, Directions & Contacts

Telephone

01233 331111

Website

https://www.ashford.gov.uk/parks

Access contact details

This is a municipal park for general public use.

Owners

Spelthorne Borough Council

Knowle Green Staines, TW18 1XB

Other Websites

History

The Memorial Gardens, between Church Road and Station Road, Ashford, were originally glebeland that was acquired in 1924.

Period

Early 20th Century (1901-1932)

Features & Designations

Features

  • Amphitheatre
  • Description: A sunken amphitheatre used for events and concerts.
  • Lawn
  • Gate
  • Description: Stainless steel gates depicting flying swans, designed by Anthony Robinson.
  • Earliest Date:
  • Latest Date:
  • Tree Feature
  • Description: Flowering fruit trees including pear and cherry.
  • Obelisk
  • Description: A war memorial in the form of an obelisk.
  • Earliest Date:
  • Latest Date:
  • Tree Avenue
  • Description: Avenue of Chestnut trees.
  • Planting
  • Description: There is a special garden, made in association with Quest International. This area has aromatic plants and windchimes.
Key Information

Type

Garden

Purpose

Recreational/sport

Principal Building

Parks, Gardens And Urban Spaces

Period

Early 20th Century (1901-1932)

Survival

Extant

Open to the public

Yes

References

References