Have you ever wondered?

Maytime is coming soon and the beautiful hawthorn arches will soon be flowering in the walled gardens!

Have you ever wondered who are the people who have designed and created the gardens at Valentines? A work of art and sight to behold.

A Victorian Gardener

On Sunday May 11th 2025 garden historian Francesca Murray shared her knowledge about William Earley the Ingleby’s head gardener in 1800s. It was a fascinating talk and we will be inviting Francesca back soon!

The Inglebys were the last family to own Valentines before the remaining parkland and house were bought by the council to preserve the green space as a park. Sarah Ingleby first came to live at Valentines as a child and died there in 1906.

At last May’s event, there were Garden Trails, suitable for all the family, to explore the historic gardens.

The creation of the formal garden features such as the grottoes was started in the early 18th century by the then owner of Valentine House, Robert Surman. His workmen uncovered a Roman stone coffin and skeleton when digging to create these.

Which features do you think were created during the Victorian period?

You can read more here about how Valentines Park developed from being the grounds and garden of a family home, to becoming a much-loved public park.

Keep an eye on our website, as in October 2026 there will be another garden-related speaker coming to share her historical perspective on how we are fortunate in Redbridge to have such a wonderful park!