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 at Kew Gardens

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.

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Events at Kew

Featured Events and Attractions:
Watering bromeliads in the Tropical Nursery

Walks and tours - Tropical Nursery tour

Part of Tropical Extravaganza 2012 festival

Sat 04 February - Sat 03 March 2012, 1.30pm, 2pm and 2.30pm

Saturdays only
Go behind the scenes with Kew’s expert guides on a fascinating tour of the Tropical Nursery.

Horticulturist pruning orchids at Kew Gardens

Course - Orchids for beginners

Part of Tropical Extravaganza

Thu 16 February 2012, 10.30am - 3.30pm

This one day course aims to give you the knowledge and confidence to be able to grow orchids successfully in your own home.