A popular movement grew up in the 1840's both to acquire and improve the Gardens for the town, and to create a testimonial to DR Jephson. A lease was acquired in 1846, and many of the present features - the lake, the lodges, the main walk - constructed. The lower gardens were laid out, possibly influenced by the ideas of J.C.Loudon, as a small-scale picturesque landscape with views across the lake towards the Jephson Temple and towards the Parish Church, whose vicar planned to rebuild it as the focal point of the town. An unsightly mill across the river, and a swimming bath in the river itself, were screened by trees.
Renamed the Jephson Gardens, they opened to the public in June 1847. The temple housing the marble statue of DR Jephson (who was still very much alive) was officially unveiled in May 1849. The oldest trees in the gardens -cedars, copper beeches and evergreen oaks - date from this period, and many other exotic specimens were introduced later. Other memorials and structures were added over the years, some of them now Grade II listed buildings:

The Hitchman Fountain 1869, the arbour 1860's, the Willes Obelisk 1875, the tea rooms 1899, Mill Bridge and Weir (together the Mill Gardens across the widened river) 1901-03, the Davis clock tower 1926, the 'Hampton Court' fountains in the lake 1925-6, the Czech fountain 1968. The nursery, now derelict and awaiting redevelopment, started in the 1850's and expanded greatly after 1896, producing plant material for the Corporation's bedding schemes and floral displays until 1994.

There were band concerts from the earliest days, along with firework displays, balloon ascents and other colorful entertainments and social events. From 1909 until the 1950's a huge range of entertainment was laid on in the Pavilion, a riverside replacement for earlier bandstands near the present clock tower. Illuminations were a famed attraction from 1889 until 1939, revived in the 1950's as the Leamington Lights. Recreation, besides walking and promenading, began with archery on the upper lawn, croquet and bowls, but most famously lawn tennis from 1878; tournaments were only later rivaled by Wimbledon. In 1942 the courts were ploughed up as part of the 'Dig for Victory' campaign, producing a bumper crop of outdoor tomatoes. Boating on the river has been enjoyed since the 1850's.

From 1846 the Gardens were run by a management committee of the Trustees, chaired for many years by DR Jephson himself. The committee appointed the head gardener, who lived in the west lodge.
Because of the chronic financial difficulties the Gardens were taken over by the Leamington Corporation in 1896, and are now owned and managed by Warwick District Council. They are the jewel in the crown of many fine parks in Leamington Spa, Warwick and Kenilworth. The Council has prepared a plan for restoration and renewal of these well-loved and delightful gardens, and has applied to the Heritage Lottery Fund for a grant of £2.9 million. An announcement is awaited in late January 1999.

An illustrated booklet, 'The Story of Jephson Gardens' is available, price £3.50. Find out more about purchasing here

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