The Willmott family moved to Warley Place in 1875. Ellen, daughter of Frederick Wilmott, succeeded in creating at Warley, one of the most renowned gardens in the country.
In 1882, Ellen began to develop an Alpine Garden, complete with a ravine and cave for her ‘filmy ferns’. In typical Ellen style, no expense was spared on the construction or the subsequent plants. The assembly of this garden was undertaken by James Backhouse of York, an eminent firm of landscapers. While the ravine and cave survive as remnants of this once awe-inspiring garden, we have to rely on photographs to appreciate the extent of the wonderful planting.
The gardens at Warley enabled Ellen Willmott to establish herself as a respected horticulturalist who was one of only two women to receive the RHS medal of Honour in Queen Victoria’s Jubilee year, 1897.
Sandra Lawrence is a freelance writer, contributing to many magazines and broadsheets who specialises in articles concerning gardens and heritage. She is the author of 22 books, focussing on history, gardens and folklore. Her most well-known is probably the biography of the pioneering gardener and botanist Ellen Willmott titled Miss Willmott’s Ghosts. Sandra has had a long association with Ellen Willmott and her gardens at Warley Place. Her forthcoming book documents the evolution of the Ellen’s Alpine garden at her beloved Warley. Sandra is going to share with us some of her most recent research on this beautiful Edwardian landscape.
There will also be the opportunity to grab a bargain at our annual book sale. Tea, coffee and biscuits will be provided.
Accessibility: On-site car parking with disabled parking adjacent to the Main Building. Room L53 is in the Main Building (campus map here) and on the ground floor.
