Introduction
The main campus of the University of Exeter is a registered botanic garden. The Streatham estate, acquired in 1922, is the nucleus of the University's spectacular site.
The Victorian planting has been admirably preserved. As the University expanded, a wide range of rare, interesting and beautiful plants have been used throughout the estate exploiting the micro-climates created by the buildings and the natural features of the site.
The setting is perhaps the most attractive of all the English universities. The 1931 master plan by Vincent Harris proposed a formal axis running up the slope to Reed Hall with the main buildings fanning out from it to take advantage of the views of the city. This plan was abandoned after the war and Sir William Holford devised a more informal layout of winding roads with self-contained groups of buildings along The Queen's Drive.
Please also see the separate record for Reed Hall.
- Visitor Access, Directions & Contacts
Access contact details
The main campus of the University is a registered botanic garden.
Owners
University of Exeter
- History
The Streatham estate, acquired in 1922, is the nucleus of the University's spectacular site. The estate was laid out in the 1860s by Richard Thornton West, an East India merchant who, it is believed, spent £80,000 on Streatham Hall (now Reed Hall) and £70,000 on laying out and improving the estate.
The landscaping and tree planting was carried out by Veitch, whose plant collectors (including Wilson and the Lobb brothers) went to many parts of the world. At the time of planting on the estate many of the trees must have been unique in Europe.
Period
Early 20th Century (1901-1932)
- Features & Designations
Designations
The National Heritage List for England: Listed Building
- Reference: Chapel
- Grade: II
- Key Information
Type
Collection
Purpose
Ornamental
Principal Building
Education
Period
Early 20th Century (1901-1932)
Survival
Extant
Hectares
162
Open to the public
Yes
- References
References
- Pugsley, Steven {Devon gardens : an historical survey} (Stroud: Sutton, 1994) 15-16, 177 Devon gardens : an historical survey
- Pevsner, N {The Buildings of England: Devon} (Harmondsworth: Penguin, 1952) The Buildings of England: Devon
- Gray, Todd {The Garden History of Devon} (Exeter: Exeter University Press, 1995) 189-91 The Garden History of Devon
Contributors
Devon Gardens Trust