Part of the
Acorn Archive
Penzance,
Cornwall
Architecture
and Heritage
Morrab Gardens
From a
postcard in my grandmother’s collection
Postmarked
1907 – to Bryher.
A concert in session on the bandstand.
Children fascinated by the fish in the pool.
The way the gardens are swept around to create something
of a country walk,
through different levels and through open spaces and more
intimate ones,
with much to see and enjoy on the way,
was an achievement on the part of Reginald Upcher
(Landscape Architect of London).
Samuel Pidwell built Morrab House in 1841
The grounds 3½ acres and House were bought for £3,120 at
auction 16th July 1888
by Penzance Town Council from the owner Mr Thomas King of
Clarence Street, Penzance.
It was then necessary to borrow around £4,000
for the Grounds to be laid out as Public Gardens.
The House was retained (occupied by The Penzance Library
from 1889).
Samuel Pidwell, although of a Penzance family, was born
in London 31st March 1808
He married Anne Batten (daughter of John Batten) 6th
June 1837
Climbed Mont Blanc in 1837.
Member of the Royal Yacht Club.
Samuel Pidwell was a Brewer at Tolcarne & Penzance.
Mayor of Penzance 1844 and 1849
Secretary of the Royal Geological Society of Cornwall
1847
He died at Penzance 28th April 1854
The Gardens have always been, for me,
a pleasure to walk through or a place to spend some time.
At the Lower end is the enclosed pool,
it always had many fish of the carp family, wending their
way between the lilies.
Work is under way at the moment clearing the pool.
It always was fenced and enclosed by bushes and bamboo on
three sides,
ensuring a warm pool. It also encouraged birds to use the
edges.
Further up, beyond the Bandstand is a restored pool
in front of The Boer War Memorial.
Then back again to the Bandstand
A Gift from Mr James Henry Bennetts
A photograph taken by my aunt (1930)
Another taken by her husband, a good many years later,
one cold afternoon.
The Fountain was placed there in 1902, and is being
looked after,
but is getting
lost behind all the grass.
Raymond
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