It is the gravestones and tombs, as well as the name, that are the clue to the past of these informal gardens on Gray’s Inn Rd. St. Andrew’s Gardens started life as an offsite burial ground for the Parish of St. Andrew’s Holborn, 1754-1850. The site was reopened as a public garden in 1885 by Lady John Manners . A plaque commemorating its opening can be found when entering the gardens from the Trinity Court Gate. Three magnificent wrought iron listed entrance gates lead you in.
St. Andrew’s Gardens (SAG) is classed as a SINC (Site of Important Nature Conservation) park. The gardens are quiet with a natural, unmanicured feel. They enjoy the greenery of enormous London Planes, an ancient weeping ash, a developing wildflower meadow and even some fruit trees. Sunlight dapples its way through in summer yet the gardens offer shade when needed. In Spring it teems with daffodils, wild tulips and much more.
There are still gravestones and tombs on site. Among those laid to rest here are the poet Thomas Chatterton, transferred from the pauper’s graveyard in Shoe Lane when it closed; John Hilder, landscape painter, and others from this family; and John Whitehurst, clockmaker, scientist and geologist.
The Art Deco building of Trinity Court now stands where the Church of Holy Trinity stood. The Church of Holy Trinity, built in 1837, seated 1500 people and was designed by Sir James Pennethorne. It was demolished in 1928.
See our photo album here
The gardens are maintained by Camden Council and are open to the public during daylight hours.
The Friends of St. Andrew’s Gardens have a role in caring for the gardens. They can be contacted at: contact@fosag.org.uk or visit their website: https://fosag.org.uk
Bloomsbury Squares & Gardens 