Back in time: Rippon Lea Gardens 1934

In this newly uncovered footage, glimpse into life at Rippon Lea Estate in the 1930s

This unique footage of Rippon Lea Estate’s grounds is believed to date from 1934 and was filmed by Harry Rippon Sargood, a grandson of Sir Frederick Sargood, Rippon Lea’s first owner.

Recently rediscovered and digitized, this film was donated to the National Trust by Harry Rippon Sargood’s son, Neil Sargood. The film was first shown to the public at the 2023 Botanica Festival in May.

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"Back in the nineteen-thirties, when Benjamin Nathan owned Rippon Lea, there were two gardeners and 36 outside staff, who attended, apart from the lawns and ponds, 32 glass houses."

The Bulletin, 9 March 1974