This is all that is left of an old greenhouse that once stood in the rear garden of what is now the Honeywood Museum. It’s interesting to see the old tiles and structural features that survive from when the area was part of the garden of a private home (scroll down for more pics).
Circa 1880, Honeywood was owned by Leah Pattinson Kirk (and her husband John), and perhaps Leah was a keen gardener. The greenhouse that had stood here most recently, is perhaps dated between 1896 and 1913. The house and garden was sold to Sutton Council circa 1939.
The lean-to was seen intact in a painting from the 1970s, but the condition of the greenhouse and garden had deteriorated considerably by the 1990s. Then a local heritage group took over the running of Honeywood, and fortunately, many improvements have been made.
Please enjoy these evocative pics from around the old greenhouse. If you’d like to leave feedback, please do so in the comments box at the end of this article. Thank you.
The Friends of Honeywood Museum are compiling a detailed history of the garden, and is keen to hear from anyone who has more information, or perhaps has old photos, drawings, or diagrams. Please leave a comment below or contact Tony Price directly via The Friends website.
Sources: The Friends of Honeywood Museum website/John Phillips. Photos: Secret Carshalton 2021.
