Imagine yourself strolling through London’s Earl’s Court district. You spot a green haven nestled amid the bustling streets. This is Philbeach Gardens, a communal garden square named after a village in Pembrokeshire, Wales.
The garden square isn’t just a beautiful green space. It holds a fascinating tale intertwined with the history of the area. It was once the site of tennis courts, where people enjoyed the game under the summer sun. Today, it’s a peaceful oasis for the surrounding community.
Before its transformation into a garden square, the land was part of Earl’s Court Farm. Samuel Hutchins, a farmer, had owned this land since the 1720s. His descendants continued to work the land for generations. The development of Philbeach Gardens was due to the influence of William Edwardes, the 1st Baron Kensington. He had strong ties to Pembrokeshire, where the village Philbeach is located, and he decided to honor this connection by naming the square after it.
The building of the gardens began in 1876 under architect George Mineard. He created a crescent-shaped space with beautiful architecture. Notably, 88 Philbeach Gardens is the only house with a double front, which makes it stand out among the rest. In its early years, Philbeach Gardens attracted residents like Henry Cole, a civil servant and inventor. He was known for his keen interest in sanitation and was particularly impressed by Mineard’s ventilation system, designed to combat sewer gas.
Over time, the gardens have been home to a diverse group of people. Musician Michael Howard rented a maisonette here in the late 1940s, while acclaimed author Mario Vargas Llosa lived in the area in 1967.
Today, Philbeach Gardens stands as a testament to the changing landscape of London. It’s a fusion of history, community, and a touch of Pembrokeshire charm at the heart of the city.