King William's Temple, the Mediterranean Garden & Cherry Walk

King William's Temple

Built in 1837 by Sir Jeffry Wyatville to complement Chambers' Temple of Victory (no longer standing), this stone building with its Tuscan porticos contains iron plaques commemorating British military victories from Minden to Waterloo. The building is made of stone with a four-column Tuscan portico at either end, and is lit by windows in the side entablatures - the upper part of the building supported by the columns.

Mediterranean Garden

Surrounding King William's Temple there is a specially planted collection of highly-scented Mediterranean style shrubs, herbs and other plants - a feast for all the senses. The collection of rock roses (Cistus) is particularly impressive and complemented by large exotic Yuccas.

Cherry Walk

The Cherry Walk stretches from the Palm House to the Temperate House. The walk consists of a collection of varieties of Japanese Sakura (ornamental cherry) trees which provide showy flowers throughout spring. Many are also highly valued for their colourful leaves in autumn.

The walk was planted in 1935, but many of the trees were damaged by storms in 1987 and 1990, and others were affected by disease. For these reasons in 1993 it was decided to replant the Cherry Walk. The project, sponsored by Sakura Bank of Japan, was completed in 1996. There are now 22 trees in matched pairs of 11 different cultivars between the Rose Garden and King William's Temple. The cherries bear charming and colourful Japanese names, such as Imose ("sweetheart" ), Tai Haku ("big white flowers"), and Taki-nioi ("fragrant waterfall"). To the other side of King William's Temple are 14 pink flowering cherry tree Prunus "Asano", which provides a wonderful contrast to the white Temperate House during flowering time.

Continue the tour

Back up to: Pagoda Vista Zone

Carry on to: Evolution House

See also

Kew's History & Heritage: King William's Temple