Spencer House

About Spencer House

Originally designed in the eighteenth century by Henry Holland (son-in-law to Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown), the half-acre garden was among the grandest in the West End. Restored since 1990 by RIT Capital Partners, under the Chairmanship of Lord Rothschild, the garden, with a delightful view of the adjacent Royal Park, now evokes its original layout. Paths and lawn have been reinstated along with a number of plants and shrubs suggested by early nineteenth-century nursery lists.

Contemporary cultivars have also been introduced to increase interest throughout the flowering season. Working with Butterfly Conservation and the London Beekeepers’ Association, appropriate nectar plants have been selected to encourage pollinators and the grounds are maintained sensitively without the use of pesticides. In this way, the garden continues to complement the town palace it was intended to adorn in a contemporary manner.

Garden Historian Todd Longstaffe-Gowan advised on the restoration and the ongoing management. The grounds are maintained by passionate nursery-man Lyndon Osborne. Blue Badge Guides will be present in the garden to answer any questions you may have and a plant list will be provided for you to take away.