Park and gardens, gardens. A series of discrete spaces, bounded by tall flint walls which provide a strong sense of enclosure
Rottingdean CA.
LLHA0213.
The area originally formed part of the green. It was then enclosed to form part of the private gardens to The Elms. They form a series of discrete spaces, bounded by tall flint walls which provide a strong sense of enclosure.
There is a flint-faced and timber pergola that extends within Kipling Gardens and the gardens of The Elms, as well as a croquet lawn and some small garden structures.
The northern area was always historically wooded; the 1838 Tithe Map Apportionments indicate that it was at this time a plantation owned by Elizabeth Dealtry. The remainder (including The Elms) is indicated as ‘House, Gardens and Yard’ owned by James Ingram. The arrangement of walls shown on the 1870 Ordnance Survey map largely matches the existing.
The buildings to the northwest of The Green were removed by the early 20th century, although evidence of them survives within the walls. The area remained in associated ownership with The Elms until the late 20th century. Following development pressure, it was purchased by the Rottingdean Preservation Society in 1981, with the help of a bequest from Mr Caton.
The gardens were restored as a Victorian-styled walled garden, paths created using bricks from Dean Court Road and a croquet lawn laid out. The gardens were transferred in trust to Brighton Corporation in 1985.
Source: Rottingdean Conservation Area Character Statement.
ii. Although the design of the individual gardens is not historic, the series of walled gardens and enclosed spaces is a rare survival and a good example of its type.
i. Associated with Kipling, who owned the area and property ‘The Elms’ between 1897 and 1903.
ii. Occupies an important place in the development of the village.
iii. The gardens form a focal point for the village and the conservation area.
iv. The walls surrounding the gardens and The Elms are listed.
i. A space cherished by the local community, who were involved in its preservation.
i. A rare survival of a series of walled gardens and encloses spaces.
2015.
