More History and Heritage.....

1820-1841: Gardens in decline

Sir William Hooker

Lion Gate and Lodge

Victoria Gate

Brentford Gate

Kew Today.....

The Main Gate

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Main Gate

As the Gardens grew and changed, so did the number of gates. They were used for different purposes - for private, staff, trade and public access.

This, the Main Gate off Kew Green, was designed by Decimus Burton in 1845 and completed in April the next year. It signified a change of attitude on the part of Kew's management, because Sir William Hooker, when he became Director, no longer required visitors to be escorted by gardeners. At the end of his first year, some 9,000 people passed through this grand entrance with its coat of arms and ornamental foliage.

The central double gates were made for carriages, and are flanked by two single gates for pedestrians. The elaborate wrought iron work is in Jacobean style and the incorporation of the letter 'V' showed the Director's determination to maintain and emphasise Kew's royal links.

The fruits and flowers in relief on the Portland stone piers were carved by John Henning the younger (1801-1857) who had worked with Decimus Burton on a triple screen at Hyde Park Corner.

The Main Gate is one of four of Kew's gates that are Grade II listed. The other three were all built during the second half of the 19th century. The Lion Gate and Lodge, and the Victoria Gate are still used as public entrances, but the Unicorn Gate in Kew Road is used only by staff.

Kew's other public entrance is through Brentford Gate, reached from the Thames riverside path, Kew Pier and from its own car park accessed from Kew Green.

Back to: Entrance Zone

On to: North Eastern Zone