After many months of preparation, co-design and planting, we’ve finally designated the Rosary to be enjoyed as a Silent Space for all visitors. The space is part of a nation-wide initiative started by garden writer Liz Ware which marks out biodiverse, nature-rich green spaces as places for reflection and contemplation. We’ve created this space in our Gardens in partnership with women’s community and social group Trinjan who have been instrumental in shaping the space to make it welcoming for the benefit of the whole community. Trinjan have worked alongside Chris Poole, gardens’ volunteer, who has been caring for the Rosary for three years, joining the professional garden team in heading up a historic area of the Gardens. 

You can spend as much or as little time as you like in our Silent Space to escape the chatter of everyday life and enjoy some tranquillity, surrounded by the rich flora and fauna of our historic gardens. Here are 3 reasons you should pay it a visit the next time you’re at Chiswick House & Gardens. 

To enjoy a rare slice of silence

How often do you get to be somewhere that is truly quiet, surrounded by nothing other than the soothing sights and sounds of nature? Whether you decide to spend 5 minutes or an entire hour (or longer!) in this space, you’ll leave with a sense of peace and well-being. 

This is also the first Silent Space in England to be opened in a public garden that’s free to enter for everybody every day. In other words, you can visit it whenever our Gardens are open to the public. 

To be inspired by the poems and writing in the space

The space includes a collection of carefully-curated poems and quotes to spark reflection and contemplation. Poems were penned by members of Trinjan keeping the vision of a peaceful oasis in mind, to be followed by quotes, selected by Head of Gardens, Rosie Fyles. You can enjoy reading these for a more inspiring visit. 

To feel connected to the past

The Rosary at Chiswick House & Gardens dates back to the early 19th century and has a strong link with the French château Malmaison which was chosen by Empress Joséphine, wife of Napoleon Bonaparte, and gifted to her in their divorce settlement. In 1811, there may have been as many as 120 varieties of roses in it! When you spend quiet time in the Rosary today, you can feel like you’re part of the longer story of this special space.