Brief Description
This record relates to the botanic garden in the Royal Victoria Park, Bath. There is considerable planting with a pond, fed by a spring. There are also serpentine paths and a summerhouse.
History
The Botanic Gardens were laid out by John Milburn under direction of J.W. Morris, on the site of the predecessor of 1840. The gardens were created to receive 2000 specimens of plants from the Broome collection.The site was extended eastwards in 1930s.
Visitor Facilities
The botanic gardens are sited in Royal Victoria Park, which is a municipal park for general public use.
Terrain
Slightly sloping.
Detailed Description
The site slopes slightly uphill south to north. The whole site is covered in trees and extensive planting, the greatest concentration being around the central area and the pond and stream. The eastern end is less densely planted. There are many paths, some winding, some straight. The site is well-maintained by Bath City Council.
- Features
- Rockery
- Description: The central clump is a rock garden, surrounded by seats.
- Walk
- Description: Scented walk.
- Pond
- Description: The central features of the garden are a pond and stream.
- Tree Feature
- Description: Woodland garden.
- Sculpture
- Description: Created from a dead Giant Redwood by Lee Dickson.
- Summerhouse
- Description: The summerhouse was originally erected by the Bath Corporation at Wembley for the British Empire Exhibition in 1924. It was re-erected here in 1926 when the botanic garden was extended.
- Earliest Date:
- Latest Date:
- Ornamental Bridge
- Description: There are two small stone bridges over the stream.
- Access & Directions
Access Contact Details
The botanic gardens are sited in Royal Victoria Park, which is a municipal park for general public use.
- History
Detailed History
In 1840 a small botanic garden was made in Victoria Park, but was soon abandoned due to lack of support. In 1887 the present Botanic garden was laid out on the site of the earlier one. It was established to receive 2,000 valuable herbaceous and alpine plants from the collection of C.E. Broome. On his death, the plants had been presented to the Victoria Park Committee.
The garden was laid out by John Milburn under the direction of J.W. Morris. John Milburn came especially from Kew to do the work. He later became park superintendent. The aim was to design a picturesque garden as well as one which would house the valuable collection.
The large stones used in the layout came from Mr. Skrine of Claverton Manor. John Milburn was a friend of Canon Ellacombe who contributed plants to the garden. In 1930 the eastern end of the garden was extended.
- Associated People
- References
References
- Arthur R. Goodwin {The Botanic Gardens, Bath} (Bath, 1901) 447-449The Botanic Gardens, Bath
- The Chronicle {Notes and Queries} (The Chronicle, 1934)Notes and Queries
- {Bath and County Graphic} (Bath, 1902) 93-94Bath and County Graphic
- {A Description of the Botanical Gardens and a Catalogue of the Trees, Plants and Shrubs to be found there} (Bath, 1958)A Description of the Botanical Gardens and a Catalogue of the Trees, Plants and Shrubs to be found there
- Morris, J. W. {Catalogue of plants in the Broome Botanical Garden, Royal Victoria Park, Bath} (Bath: F. Curtis, 1897)Catalogue of plants in the Broome Botanical Garden, Royal Victoria Park, Bath
Contributors
Myna Trustram
1
Avon Gardens Trust