Syon Park & its Great Conservatory

My first 'heritage outing' in months took me to the lovely Syon Park, situated in Greater London, near Kew. I must admit, it felt good! The house was not yet open, due to social distancing, but the grounds and beautiful, serene Victorian glasshouse were open to explore.

Introducing Syon Park 

Syon House and the surrounding estate have been in the family of the present owners for more than 400 years. The house traces it origins to a medieval abbey, which was dissolved during the English Reformation. 

It remains in private ownership but like many other stately homes, has sought to cover maintenance costs through commercialisation - thus allowing public access (yay). Photographs of the interiors look stunning, so I will definitely be heading back once entry to Syon House itself is allowed! On this visit I was content to roam the grounds, especially the 'Great Conservatory'. 

The Great Conservatory 

The gigantic and beautifully ornate glasshouse was built in the early 19th Century, designed by Charles Fowler, also known as the architect of Covent Garden Market. 

It was filled with exotic plants from all corners of the globe, reflecting Britain's expanding empire and trade routes. There were plants from South Africa, Australia, and China. Apparently by the 1880s there were palms and giant bamboos that grew to the very top of the dome. Many of the plants brought from overseas during this period still flourish at Syon Park today, particularly North American trees that arrived from the late 18th century. 

Acquiring 'Exotic' Plants

After digging a little deeper after my visit, I discovered that previous owners certainly had links to the colonisation of Virginia, and even the famous Native American Pocahontas (also known as Matoaka) visited Syon House when she travelled to England. She lived in Brentford with her husband and son for a short while (who knew), which is commemorated with a nearby plaque. 

The 'Great Conservatory' however, came into existence in a later period known as the 'imperial century', which helped to fill the conservatory and grounds with 'exotic' plants and trees from all over the world. It is fascinating that 'living' things that witnessed this history survive today. After making their way on a ship from the far flung corners of the world, and holding on during periods of dilapidation when the estate fell into disrepair in times of political and economic uncertainty, they endure. 

More on Syon House and Park can be found here, including details for booking tickets: https://www.syonpark.co.uk/