Isleworth wheelbarrows

by Val Bott on 05/11/2020 · 0 Comments

This story has grown out of another historian’s research, and confirms my view that sharing discoveries really matters because it enables others to build upon them and reveal more. Working under the wing of the London Parks & Gardens Trust, Susan Darling  wrote a short and intriguing piece about Mrs Wood the Isleworth wheeler or […]

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The Greenings of Brentford End, Royal Gardeners

by Val Bott on 22/02/2020 · 0 Comments

I have been invited to speak to the Hounslow & District History Society about the Greening family on the evening of Tuesday 25 February 2020 at 7.30pm. The talk will take place at the United Reformed Church Hall in Chapel Road, Hounslow, TW3 1UL. I have talked about them before, but this talk will include […]

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A Bequest to the weeder woman

by Val Bott on 07/09/2019 · 0 Comments

I first came across weeder women in 2006 – they were working in the gardens of the Chiswick manor of Sutton Court in the 1690s and early 1700s. In the accounts kept by Lord Fauconberg’s steward they were paid six pence a day. The women were rarely named, as payment was usually made within the […]

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The Willow Business

by Val Bott on 20/06/2019 · 0 Comments

Baskets and willow hurdles for sheltering plants from wind and frost were an essential part of the gardener’s equipment. Willow basketwork came in many shapes and sizes: river fish traps, garden seats and arbours, bird cages, containers for for various fruits to protect them in transit, fine baskets for shopping and needlework. Willow growing and […]

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