History & Album
November 22nd, 2006 by admin
Major Arthur Villiers
The Manor Gardens Allotments were established by the Old Etonian Arthur Villiers (1883–1969), philanthropist and director of Barings Bank, through the The Manor Charitable Trust (now Villiers Park Educational Trust), which was formed in 1924 by him and 3 other Old Boys (Gerald Wellesley, Alfred Wagg and Sir Edward Cadogan).
Eton College had been running a mission and Boys Club for local boys in Hackney Wick, on the site now occupied by the Eastway Sports Centre (cycle circuit) buildings (then called The Wilderness). This was expanded with the formation of the Eton Old Boys Club by Gerald Wellesley. Funds were raised to buy the Old Manor House and Manor Farm for accommodation and additional sports and recreational facilities, with the organisation now being collectively known as the Eton Manor Boys Clubs.
The Manor Charitable Trust served to assure continuing funding for the Boys Clubs and other activities such as summer camps and of course the provision of allotment land for the benefit of local people.
You can see Major Villiers on the far right of the bottom row on this photo, which appears to be from the 1900’s
Plot Holder’s Album
Albert’s Plot in 2002.
There’s everything on there. Leeks, parsnip, cabbage, brussels, carrot, onion, shallots – you name it it’s on there. The first time I came to the allotment was 40 or 42 years ago. I am normally here 4 days a week. Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday. You can’t get fresher food than that.
A visitor. Photos by Reg
Pru Clements Plot No. 73
I had a bumper grape harvest in 2005
David Eason
This is a photo of my grandfather (David William Eason) and my father (the young boy, Wallace George Eason). Both from White Post Lane. I wonder if anyone remembers him?
David William Eason was born in Hoxton and via the workhouse in Shoreditch moved to Davey Road, Hackney Wick in about 1902. At some stage he ended up in White Post Lane and liked a drink in The Lea Tavern and Lord Napier. He served in the Rifle Brigade and lost his right arm in battle so managing an allotment and a night watchman job at Lush and Cookes must have been a struggle.
My Dad said his father was always bringing home veg for the table and it was some walk from the allotments to WPL.
Dave Eason
Hassan and Carlton in the 1980s
Photographs from plot holder Jonathan Karkut
This is a photo we were given showing our plot with the man who
previously held it – c1970
Our daughter Eva Karkut-Law with our friend Ute on our plot – 1999
Eva, our daughter doing some allotmenteering – 1999
Reg’s Dad’s Plot
Hassan’s Album – Summer 2006
Hassan & Reg do their world famous Sunday Lunch
Julie’s beautiful plot
The fig harvest
Hard at work in the August sun
Ali!
Ruby’s 16th Birthday Party
Penny and her wonderful roses
