Welcome to Brenchley Gardens

Welcome to Brenchley Gardens. . Brenchley Gardens was Maidstone's first public park; it was commissioned by Julius Brenchley. When he purchased the land in 1870 it was an orchard and his aim was to secure the setting of the museum to the south., The gardens were designed and laid out between 1871 and 1872 by Alexander McKenzie, a highly influential 19th century landscape designer, and opened to the public in 1872. Part of the land was reserved for St Faith's Church, which was also built in 1872., McKenzie's design for the garden was a gardenesque approach typical of its period, with serpentine paths, island and perimeter shrub beds, specimen trees, large swathes of grass and elaborate fleur-de-lis bedding displays. The garden had long views west over the River Medway towards Buckland Fields. All elements within and outside the site were carefully controlled by the designer to create a pleasing visual and spatial experience. The bandstand provided the main visual focus within the gardens., The gardens were an instant success attracting large crowds who came to enjoy the peace and tranquillity or the frequent band concerts., Today the main features of the gardens are: , . Lawns: The main areas of Brenchley Gardens are open, mown lawns. These were a feature of the original design of the gardens and remain an important aspect of the greenspace. , . Bandstand: the Victorian bandstand, still provides the main visual focus The name of a famous composer is etched above each face of the bandstand. , . Heritage features: , -- The Queen's Own Royal West Kent Regiment Cenotaph (Grade 1) designed by Edward Lutyens , -- Finial from the House of Commons Debating Chamber (Grade II) , -- The Old Water Conduit (Grade II) , -- Statue honouring the Royal Engineers and celebrating Maidstone's connection with the Gurkhas , -- Statue base: the statue of Daphne and Apollo has been lost, but the base they stood on, forms the centre of a floral display in one of the lawns , . Paths: There is a network of paths weaving through the gardens that are largely faithful to the original layout of the gardens , . Ragstone wall: The ragstone wall forming the northern boundary was constructed at the same time as the gardens., Julius Brenchley was an explorer, naturalist and author, 1816-1873 He was born and educated in Maidstone and was one of the boroughs most notable 19th century figures. Brenchley sent many artefacts from his travels home and they are now on display in Maidstone Museum. Julius Brenchley gifted the gardens over to a corporation asses for the public on completion, on 24th October 1872., Alexander McKenzie was a highly influential 19th century landscape designer to the Metropolitan Board of Works. Brenchley Gardens were Mackenzie's first public park outside London his previous designs included Southwark Park, Finsbury Park and Victoria Embankment Gardens, Westminster. The brief was to create a setting worthy of the museum and to include artefacts in keeping with this within the park.