Kew Society Talk – Kew Road Ha-Ha : Ditching Boundaries

The Kew Society invites you to a talk exploring the history of the Kew Road Ha-Ha.

If, like me, you thought that the ditch running along the edge of the Old Deer Park Sports Grounds on Kew Road was just that, a ditch, you’ll be fascinated to learn that in fact it has a rich history dating back to at least the 17th Century.

This talk will explore a rarely appreciated landscape feature, the Ha-Ha. Made not to be seen but to create incredible views Ha-Has are fascinating elements of landscape history which sometimes survive long after the manors and views they were originally associated with have vanished. This is certainly the case for the Kew Road Ha-Ha, the main focus of this talk. A seemingly unassuming wall and ditch that most people pass without noticing, it tells a story of palaces, gardens and the development of Kew and Richmond. It is now lingering in a state of disrepair, but the current project led by Habitats & Heritage hopes to bring appreciation back to this Ha-Ha.

The talk will take place at The National Archives, Bessant Drive, Kew on Tuesday 15 April 2025, 6.30pm given by Jess Vining, Heritage Project Officer at Habitats & Heritage.

Tickets will be available on the door:  Members £5, Non-members £10.