Flagpole, Ruined Arch & Berberis Dell

The Flagpole

Kew's famous flagpole, once the tallest in the world, was removed in August 2007. The lifetime of a wooden pole at Kew is around 50 years, and decay and intensive woodpecker action had made it unsafe.

At 68 m (225 ft) it was the world's tallest wooden flagpole. It had been presented to Kew by British Columbia, to celebrate the Canadian province's centenary (1958) and Kew's bicentenary (1959). The Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) from Copper Canyon on Vancouver Island was around 370 years old when it was cut and weighed 37 tonnes. After being towed up the Thames and shaping at Kew, it was a 'mere' 15 tonnes. It was erected by the 23rd Field Squadron of the Royal Engineers on 5th November 1959, and dismantled on 13 August 2007.

It was decided not to replace the flagpole with another because it would mean the loss of yet another giant tree.

Ruined Arch

The Ruined Arch, designed by Sir William Chambers, is a mock ruin dating back to 1759 when such structures were popular in fashionable gardens. It also served to carry people and animals over the lane below.

Berberis Dell

Created between 1869 and 1875, this was once a gravel pit and is Kew's third-biggest excavation after the Lake and Rhododendron Dell. Its rather secluded character and large collection of berberis and mahonias make it well worth a visit.

Most of the berberis family are fully hardy in Britain and grow well in most soils. Flowers in shades of yellow and orange bloom from early spring to late summer, while the autumn fruit can be red, black or blue.

In the past, Berberis was used for wood-turning, dyes, staining wood and French jam, as well as for medicinal purposes.

Continue the tour

Back up to: Pagoda Vista Zone

Carry on to: Marianne North & Shirley Sherwood Galleries

See also

Kew's History & Heritage: Flagpole

Old photographs of the current flagpole being felled