Highgate Horticultural Society – 160 Years of History

Monday 9th November 2020  7.30 pm

A talk by Jill and Steve Marston

On 15th December,1859 a circular was issued convening a meeting for the purpose of establishing a society to be called the Highgate Horticultural and Floricultural Society. The first president was the Rev. C.B. Dalton, Mr James Cutbush was the treasurer, Mr J Ward the secretary, and Miss Angela Burdett-Coutts was the Lady Patroness. Born out of the Victorian tradition of philanthropy the object of the society was mainly to encourage cottage gardeners and schoolchildren in horticultural pursuits. The first exhibition was held 27th June 1860: there were 71 entries and prizes amounting to £23/7/0d were awarded.

 Up to the first world war the Society’s shows were major events, attracting thousands of visitors to the grounds of Highgate’s great houses. Today the society’s three shows a year in Highgate United Reformed Church continue the tradition as a showcase for gardeners to exhibit their produce.

This is an online Zoom meeting. To book click here. You will be asked to make a small donation to the Highgate Society.