Description
This is a comparatively rare example of a formal late Victorian square in a suburban setting. St Andrew's Church was built in 1871-2 and the terraces of houses developed between 1876-1884, although the western end was undeveloped until early C20th. The gardens, originally for the private use of residents, had three lawns and perimeter trees. Between 1932-1956 the layout was changed to provide allotment gardens at the west, tennis courts in the centre, with gardens retained at the east, but they later reverted to pleasure gardens. In 1972 the Borough Council compulsorily purchased the gardens and allowed public access.
Practical Information
| Site location | St Andrew's Square/Maple Road, Surbiton |
|---|---|
| Postcode | KT6 |
| What3Words | ///added.books.fork |
| Type of Site | Garden Square; |
| Borough | Kingston |
| Open to Public | Yes |
| Opening Times | unrestricted |
| Special Conditions | dogs on leads |
| Public Transport | Rail: Surbiton. Bus: K3. |
| Research Updated | 1 March 2004 |
| Last Updated | 18 October 2026 |
Full description
The development including the three tall, fussily ornamented terraces surrounding the garden were developed by Corbett and McClymont between 1876-1884. The western end of the square was undeveloped until the early C20th. St Andrew's Church to the north east was built in 1871-2, designed by Sir Arthur Blomfield. The gardens were originally for the private use of the owners and tenants of the square, on payment of an annual contribution towards their upkeep. The original layout consisted of a rectilinear path network dividing the site into three lawns and perimeter trees and until WWII the gardens were enclosed with cast iron railings, more recently chain link fencing. Between 1932 - 1956 the layout was changed to provide allotment gardens at the western end, tennis courts in the centre, with gardens retained at the eastern end separated from the courts with a row of trees. They later reverted to pleasure gardens with a rectangular path, approached from gates at each side of the square.
St Andrew's Square was designated a Conservation Area in 1971 and in 1972 the Borough Council compulsorily purchased the gardens in order to enhance the conservation area, and allowed public access. Among the mature trees are fine London planes and there are groups of mature shrubs along the perimeter and adjoining the western and eastern pathways, as well as rose beds. Specimen trees have been planted within the lawns. In 1995 the Local Authority had put forward a request to redesign the square on the original Victorian lines.
St Andrew's Square was designated a Conservation Area in 1971 and in 1972 the Borough Council compulsorily purchased the gardens in order to enhance the conservation area, and allowed public access. Among the mature trees are fine London planes and there are groups of mature shrubs along the perimeter and adjoining the western and eastern pathways, as well as rose beds. Specimen trees have been planted within the lawns. In 1995 the Local Authority had put forward a request to redesign the square on the original Victorian lines.
Further Information
| Grid Reference | TQ176673 |
|---|---|
| Size in hectares | 0.453 |
| Site Ownership | RB Kingston |
| Site Management | Grounds maintenance contractor: Quadron Services Ltd |
| Dates | 1876-1884 |
| Listed Structures | LBII: St Andrew's Church |
| On National Heritage List for England (NHLE), Parks & Gardens | No |
| Registered common or village green on Commons Registration Act 1965 | No |
| Protected under London Squares Preservation Act 1931 | No |
| Local Authority | Kingston |
| In Conservation Area | Yes |
| Conservation Area Name | St Andrew's Square |
| Tree Preservation Order | No |
| Nature Conservation Area | No |
| Green Belt | No |
| Metropolitan Open Land | No |
| Special Policy Area | No |
| Other LA Designation | Local Open Space (Public Open Space) |
Please note the Inventory and its content are provided for your general information only and are subject to change. It is your responsibility to check the accuracy.
Nearby parks and gardens
The land for a recreation ground was initially leased from the Earl of Lovelace in 1888 and was later purchased in 1901. Originally known as Balaclava Recreation Ground, in 1902 it was renamed Victoria Recreation Ground for Queen Victoria. The park is rectangular with a central pavilion; a perimeter path runs along the boundary with Balaclava Road and along the railway that borders the park to the south are trees and shrubs, with seating at intervals. A central path divides the main area of grass, with a drinking fountain gifted by the Metropolitan Drinking Fountain and Cattle Trough Association where the path meets the perimeter along the railway.
The Crescent was built in the early 1840s; a map of Surbiton Estate in 1847 shows the gardens fronting The Crescent informally laid out with a simple path meandering through them; trees were later planted and by 1910 the gardens were railed and the clock tower had been built to the south. The railings were later removed as part of the WWII war effort. A large circular paddling pool was constructed by the early 1930s. The gardens were re-landscaped in the 1990s when a new water feature and pergola were constructed, an earlier rock feature recreated, new paths and planting.
Hillcroft College originated as a private house built in 1877 for Wilberforce Bryant. In 1884 he set aside part of his estate for a meeting room and theatre, calling it The Gables. It had substantial grounds, part of which lie to the south-west and form the public park, The Woods. The College, founded in 1919 to provide education for working women, purchased the freehold and 6 acres of land in 1925 and moved here in 1926. The theatre was later sold when the college needed more space and the former winter garden was built over for a new hall.