Lion Gate

Located at the southeastern tip of the Gardens, Lion Gate opened in around 1845. It comprises the original single wrought-iron gate supported by pillars of yellow London brick.

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Lion Gate

Did you know?

Coade stone was sold commercially, primarily for monumental work between 1769 and 1833
one of London’s best examples of a Coade statue is the carved lion that lies on the southern approach to Westminster Bridge
it was one of three such creatures originally created for the old Red Lion brewery on the south bank of the River Thames

Historical information

Across the top is a tablet of Portland stone on which sits a carved lion. The lion was commissioned by King George IV in 1821 and originally adorned the roof of a gate lodge on Kew Green.

The lion and its partner unicorn (which now resides above the Unicorn Gate staff entrance on Kew Road) were designed by Thomas Hardwicke, a pupil of Kew architect Sir William Chambers. Both are made of Coade stone a ceramic material that is highly resistant to pollution and weathering.