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Nova Scotia Gardens Nova Scotia Street
- Thread starter mikejee
- Start date
Sounds delightful - in 1814.
Source: British Newspaper Archive
Source: British Newspaper Archive
Lady Penelope
master brummie
Were they Guinea Gardens? There seemed to be a lot of them in Birmingham but they gradually disappeared as the town spread.
I think those must have been the Edgbaston Guinea Gardens, Pedro. Basically, allotments would be their later equivalents. Found this description of the early guinea gardens:
The rent of 1 guinea meant they came to be called ‘Guinea Gardens.’ A guinea represented at the time a considerable proportion of a man’s wages.
James Drake writing in 1825 claimed these small gardens promoted ‘healthful exercise and rational enjoyment among families of the artisans; and, with good management, produce an ample supply of those wholesome vegetables stores, which are comparatively seldom tasted by the middling classes when they have to be purchased.’
J.A. Langford writing of the period 1810-1820 said that‘the Guinea Gardens were in very large numbers'. It was a ‘hobby’ with the Birmingham working man and the cultivation of flowers was carried to ‘great perfection by him.’ These gardens then flourished, were enjoyed by middle-class families and were regarded generally as highly desirable. The peak of this provision was between 1820 and 1830 after which the sale of much private land for industrial, residential, road or railway projects associated with the now accelerating urban expansion caused the decline of the system. By 1886 only 3 such sites remained and only one continues as allotments today
From what I can make out from adverts in the late 1700s into the early 1800s, the Nova Scotia Gardens were divided into single plots separated by "walks" and being used to grow a range of fruit, vegetables and flowers. Occasionally, there is a double plot for sale.
I can't say for certain, Pen, but it looks like NS Gardens most probably were originally 'guinea plots' or organised on a similar arrangement, and only available to those who could afford them.
The rent of 1 guinea meant they came to be called ‘Guinea Gardens.’ A guinea represented at the time a considerable proportion of a man’s wages.
James Drake writing in 1825 claimed these small gardens promoted ‘healthful exercise and rational enjoyment among families of the artisans; and, with good management, produce an ample supply of those wholesome vegetables stores, which are comparatively seldom tasted by the middling classes when they have to be purchased.’
J.A. Langford writing of the period 1810-1820 said that‘the Guinea Gardens were in very large numbers'. It was a ‘hobby’ with the Birmingham working man and the cultivation of flowers was carried to ‘great perfection by him.’ These gardens then flourished, were enjoyed by middle-class families and were regarded generally as highly desirable. The peak of this provision was between 1820 and 1830 after which the sale of much private land for industrial, residential, road or railway projects associated with the now accelerating urban expansion caused the decline of the system. By 1886 only 3 such sites remained and only one continues as allotments today
From what I can make out from adverts in the late 1700s into the early 1800s, the Nova Scotia Gardens were divided into single plots separated by "walks" and being used to grow a range of fruit, vegetables and flowers. Occasionally, there is a double plot for sale.
I can't say for certain, Pen, but it looks like NS Gardens most probably were originally 'guinea plots' or organised on a similar arrangement, and only available to those who could afford them.
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So, what happened to what must have been this lovely part of Birmingham ?
It was developed in the late 18th century as part of a new area north of Duddeston Row (including Newmarket, Doe and Grosvenor Streets and Hicks Square). The land was previously owned by the Jennens family.
Brass founders and coffin furniture makers (eg Newman Bros) were located here in the late 1800s.
Below: Nova Scotia Street and Princes Street from north-east of Doe Street.
The post below by mikejee on the Holders Brewery thread shows The (Holders) Midland Brewery having been built over some of the Gardens area.
Nova Scotia Street would have been where the Eastside area is today, yet again an area of considerable redevelopment in modern times.
It was developed in the late 18th century as part of a new area north of Duddeston Row (including Newmarket, Doe and Grosvenor Streets and Hicks Square). The land was previously owned by the Jennens family.
Brass founders and coffin furniture makers (eg Newman Bros) were located here in the late 1800s.
Below: Nova Scotia Street and Princes Street from north-east of Doe Street.
The post below by mikejee on the Holders Brewery thread shows The (Holders) Midland Brewery having been built over some of the Gardens area.
Nova Scotia Street would have been where the Eastside area is today, yet again an area of considerable redevelopment in modern times.
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Lady Penelope
master brummie
Thanks Viv, I grew up in Court Lane and we were virtually surrounded by allotments. They were in a large 'L' shape and the first bit to go was the foot when Shortheath park was extended. Then Topcroft Estate was built off Goosemoor Lane, followed by Jarvis Road which cut through from Gravelly Lane to Court Lane. New houses have recently been built off Jarvis Road reducing the allotment size considerably. This has left a long waiting list for plots. We went to a concert there yesterday in aid of Shelter and chatting to one of the plot holders I was told that new people can only have half a plot now which isn't really large enough. I wonder how long it will be before the last of the allotments are gobbled up?
Mr Fox seems to have had a very nice garden, including a brick built summerhouse. With a 'considerable number of thriving fruit trees' suggesting a good sized plot.
Some are kitchen gardens and some have wells. Mr Probin's had a fish pond.
They all sound very desirable. Together, across a large area, they must have given an attractive and interesting view.
Source: British Newspaper Archive
Some are kitchen gardens and some have wells. Mr Probin's had a fish pond.
They all sound very desirable. Together, across a large area, they must have given an attractive and interesting view.
Source: British Newspaper Archive
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In the absence of a specific address for each garden plot, this is how they were identified (plus occasionally the name of the owner or renter). This one was located 'second garden down the third walk on the left hand side' !
Source: British Newspaper Archive
Source: British Newspaper Archive
Mike. Thanks for the map extract in post #1. Could you possibly post a wider view to show more of the garden plots please ? Thank you.
It seems NS Gardens were guinea gardens KadyP. I've started a separate thread here :
LadyP raised a question on the Nova Scotia Gardens thread asking if those gardens were originally "guinea gardens". It seems they were. And Birmingham had quite a number.
Source: British Newspaper Archive
Source: British Newspaper Archive
