South Medford in Middlesex County, Massachusetts — The American Northeast (New England)

The Royalls' Garden

Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, November 6, 2026

1. The Royalls' Garden Marker

Inscription. In 1737 Colonel Isaac Royall, his family, and 27 slaves took up residence at this site. The grounds surrounding the Royall House were laid out in the most elegant fashion of the day. The central garden walk led from the West entrance of the mansion to an enclosed formal garden that featured shrubbery, fruit trees, lilacs, and an ornate summerhouse.

Unfortunately, there are no existing drawings or detailed descriptions to guide an accurate restoration of these gardens. However, the extensive research conducted by: two groups of Radcliffe Landscape Restoration Seminar students (1978 and 1985) about the Royall House grounds forms the basis of the landscape design seen today. This design and the careful use of trees, shrubs, and flowers typical of a New England estate in the eighteenth century is intended to evoke a hint of the original gardens.

Erected by The Royall House Association The Royall House Association.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Environment • Horticulture & Forestry. A significant historical year for this entry is 1737.

Location. 42° 24.723′ N, 71° 6.712′ W. Marker

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is in Medford, Massachusetts, in Middlesex County. It is in South Medford. It is on George Street 0.1 miles west of Main Street, on the right when traveling west. The marker is on the grounds of the Isaac Royall House and Slave Quarters. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 15 George Street, Medford MA 02155, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Historic Boston and specifically in Greater Boston.

It is also in the American Northeast,

in New England,

and on the Eastern Seaboard. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region,

North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once one of the original Thirteen Colonies.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: The Isaac Royall House (within shouting distance of this marker); Mystic Congregational Church Bell (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Royall House (about 300 feet away); Sergeant Thomas J. O'Brien Corner (about 500 feet away); The Bolognese Brothers (about 700 feet away); Barry Park

Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, November 6, 2026

2. The Royalls' Garden Marker

The marker is on the far left; another marker about the home is visible closer to the house, affixed to the stone slab.

(approx. ¼ mile away); Huskins Field (approx. 0.3 miles away); Stearns Estate (approx. 0.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Medford.

Also see . . . Royall House & Slave Quarters official website. (Submitted on November 10, 2026, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois.)

The Royalls' Garden Marker and the property's front gate image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, November 6, 2026

3. The Royalls' Garden Marker and the property's front gate

Credits. This page was last revised on November 10, 2026. It was originally submitted on November 10, 2026, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois. This page has been viewed 4 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on November 10, 2026, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois.