Photos By Gail
The Great Pagoda at Kew Gardens in London is an iconic structure known for its unique architecture and historical significance. Here are some key points about it:
Location: The Great Pagoda is located within the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, in southwest London. It stands in the south-western corner of the gardens, near the Palm House.
Architecture: The Pagoda was built in 1762 during the reign of King George III. It was designed by the English architect Sir William Chambers, who was inspired by the pagodas he saw during his travels in East Asia.
Design: The Pagoda is an octagonal tower with ten stories, standing at a height of 50 meters (163 feet). Each story is adorned with upturned eaves and decorated with intricate Chinese-style dragons, believed to be crafted by skilled Chinese artisans.
Original Purpose: The Kew Pagoda was inspired by the Porcelain Pagoda at Nanjing — one of the wonders of the medieval world. It was not designed as a religious monument; rather it was intended to serve as a symbol of the exoticism and sophistication associated with Chinese architecture.
Restoration: Over the years, the Pagoda suffered from neglect and damage, particularly during World War II when it was hit by a bomb. However, in recent years, extensive restoration work has been carried out to restore the Pagoda to its former glory. This restoration project, completed in 2018, involved repairing the structure, reinstating missing dragons, and restoring the intricate color scheme.
Accessibility: Visitors are permitted to go inside the Pagoda and climb the challenging 253 steps to the top, where you can marvel at spectacular views across London. As you climb, learn why the Pagoda was built and how the royal family used this unique building in the 18th century.
World Heritage Site: Kew Gardens, including the Great Pagoda, was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2003. It is recognized for its outstanding universal value as a botanic garden and as a site of historical significance.
Even if you choose not to climb to the top, the Pagoda is a picturesque sight, enhancing the landscape especially when viewed from certain vantage points within Kew Gardens.
