Lady Herbert's Garden


Lady Herbert's Garden is a garden in Coventry city centre, named as a memorial to Alfred Herbert's second wife Florence. Construction and initial laying out began in 1930 and the last section was completed in 1939. It is built around several sections of the remains of Coventry city walls, including Swanswell and Cook Street Gates.

History

The gardens were designed by Albert Herbert, cousin of the industrialist and commissioner of them Alfred Herbert. The east garden was opened to the public on 12 April 1931 and a west garden was added from 1935-1938. From 1930-1947 the gardens were overseen by Miss Denision, who was succeeded by Miss Hoffa who left in 1956. Following Herbert's death in 1957 the trustees faced financial difficulties and in 1974, ownership was transferred to Coventry City Council.

Lady Herbert's homes

Commonly known as Lady Herbert's homes, these two blocks of almshouses were built in 1935 and 1937. They were both damaged during the Coventry Blitz and were rebuilt. The homes are currently managed by a charitable trust.