Secret garden transformed

A little-known Victorian gardens in Sheffield has been restored to its '˜magnificent' former glory following a £60,000 investment.
Lord Lieutenant Andrew Coombe, at the opening of Whinfell Quarry Garden. Picture: Andrew RoeLord Lieutenant Andrew Coombe, at the opening of Whinfell Quarry Garden. Picture: Andrew Roe
Lord Lieutenant Andrew Coombe, at the opening of Whinfell Quarry Garden. Picture: Andrew Roe

Whinfell Quarry Garden, built in 1898, was unveiled to the public at a ceremony on Monday after restoration work was completed.

The Grade II listed gardens, on Fenney Lane, off Ecclesall Road South, received £60,000 of Heritage Lottery Funding to repair the Clarence Elliott Cascade, which was added in 1912.

Lord Lieutenant Andrew Coombe, at the opening of Whinfell Quarry Garden. Picture: Andrew RoeLord Lieutenant Andrew Coombe, at the opening of Whinfell Quarry Garden. Picture: Andrew Roe
Lord Lieutenant Andrew Coombe, at the opening of Whinfell Quarry Garden. Picture: Andrew Roe
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David Jordan, from the Friends of Whinfell Quarry Garden, said: “It was a fantastic day and it is magnificent to see the gardens restored to their former glory. But the restoration would not have been possible without the Heritage Lottery Fund sharing our enthusiasm and assisting with the applications – they were superb.”

The garden in the former Whirlow Quarry was started at the end of the 19th century by Samuel Doncaster, who travelled the world looking for rare plants to fill it.

He collected Redwood trees from America, Rhododendrons from the Himalayas – both of which are still in the garden – and many more rare species.

In the 1930s it was passed to another steel family, the Neills, who in time gifted it to the council. In recent years, The Friends have been volunteering to keep the garden in good check.

Key figures at the opening were Lord Lieutenant Andrew Coombe, Daniel, Stephen and Sophie Doncaster, who are the grandchildren of Samuel Doncaster.

To find out more visit: friendsofwhinfell.org.uk/