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The Aitons: Gardeners to Their Majesties
Frank Pagnamenta‘s book is the first biography of William Aiton and his eldest son, Wiliam Townsend Aiton, who between them oversaw the first eighty years of the development of Kew Gardens. The Aitons were prominent members of Kew Vestry, living in Descanso House at the junction of the Mortlake and Kew Roads. Their substantial family tomb is a feature of St Anne’s graveyard, and they are honoured by a memorial within the church. Find out more
2009. 52 pages. ISBN 978-0-9559717-5-1
£3.00 (£2.00 for members) Our prices for buying online via PayPal include postage and packing.
At the Heart of the Community: Victoria House, Kew 1980-2020
Between 1980 and 2023, Victoria House looked after many of Kew’s elderly residents. It was part of the international network of Abbeyfield homes established to help lonely senior citizens and to involve the community in running homes as much as possible.
Simon Fowler’s book traces the history of the Abbeyfield movement locally. It looks at why the House was built and how it has changed over the past forty years, including the turbulent last few years.
It tells the stories of the volunteers who have helped make the House a home and describes the care offered to the residents by the dedicated staff.
The result is an inspirational story about one of Kew’s best loved institutions. It is also the first history of a modern care home in Britain.
Published by the Friends of Victoria House, Kew, 2022. 56 pages, fully illustrated. ISBN 978-1-3999-3512-8
£7.00 (£5.00 for members)
Kew at War 1939-1945
This book is out of print. We plan to publish a new edition in 2024.