Kensington Roof Garden

Before Sir Richard Branson took over the roof gardens at the old Derry and Tom's building they were known as Derry Gardens .

Designed and constructed between 1936 and 1938, the gardens were the work of horticulturalist Ralph Hancock (FRHS).

Little is known about Hancock, except that he also designed the 'Gardens of the Nations' on the 11th floor of New York's Rockefeller Center and a Rock Garden for Princess Victoria.

We do know he was a favourite of the Queen Mother and was a gold medal winner at Chelsea on several occasions.

If you have any information about Ralph or his work. Photographs, plans, booklets etc., on Derry Gardens then please get in touch. Either via this forum or at Ralph Hancock

The aim of this post is to gather as much information about the work of Ralph Hancock with the aim of publishing a book about his life and gardens.

 

My younger sister was married in Kensington register office just over 30 years ago and we went to the gardens to celebrate . It had then been taken over by Biba.
The gardens were really lovely and the wedding pictures reflect this, such a lovely haven of plants and wildlife in the centre of the city.
I have just discovered the gardens are still there! I moved out of London in 1974 and I thought that the gardens went when Biba closed... must go back!
Happy Memories.....

 

Hi

The good news is that the gardens are still there. Obviosuly much of the original planting has changed, although the original trees are now quite mature.

The Tudor, Spanish and English Woodland gardens are thriving too, there's even a pair of flamingoes!

See: http://www.roofgardens.com

Do you have any pictures of the gardens from the wedding reception?

Robin

 

I went to the roof gardens about 5 years ago - amazing to think that there is a busy street down below yet up there, it's a little bit of heaven. The flamingos took me by suprise, I must admit! Oh and they do good cocktails too!

:D