Restoration of Lotherton Hall Walled Garden Underway

April 13, 2026 Off By

Efforts to revive historic rose garden invite public support

The walled garden at Lotherton Hall, a historic estate in Leeds, is currently undergoing restoration to return it to its former Edwardian splendour. The garden, originally designed in the late 19th century by Mrs Laura Gwendolen Gascoigne, has suffered deterioration over the years, but a project is now underway to re-establish its floral heritage, particularly its rose bushes.

History of the Walled Garden

The garden is believed to have been constructed before 1810 and was notable for its flued walls, which provided heating to support the growth of exotic plants. When Mrs Gascoigne began redesigning the garden in 1893, she transformed it into an ‘old-fashioned’ garden featuring rose beds, herbaceous borders, scented flowers, tender creepers, and perennials. The estate remained in the Gascoigne family until 1969, when Sir Alvary Gascoigne gifted it to the people of Leeds.

Restoration Project Details

Recent restoration work has involved removing and replacing large amounts of soil to improve nutrient levels, allowing rose bushes and other plants to thrive once again. Approximately 100 rose bushes are planned for planting this spring, with additional planting scheduled for 2027.

The rose varieties selected for replanting are historically accurate, reflecting those popular at the start of the 20th century. Examples include Rosa Gallica ‘versicolor’ and Rosa ‘Belle Isis’.

Public Involvement

Members of the public interested in supporting the garden’s revival can sponsor a rose bush. Sponsors have the option to choose from ten different rose varieties and select the specific plot where their bush will be planted.

Sponsorship costs £75, or £65 for members of Leeds Museums and Galleries.
Supporters receive a framed certificate and may attend an annual celebratory event.
There is an option to sign a ledger that will be archived by Leeds Museums and Galleries.

Those wishing to express interest in sponsoring a rose bush can contact the project team via email at philip.stevens@leeds.gov.uk.