Chiswick House Expert to Explore 300 Years of Garden History
Rosie Fyles gives talk for Brentford and Chiswick Local History Society
Left: David Jacques' book Chiswick House Gardens. Right: Rosie Fyles
November 9, 2026
The head of gardens at one of west London's most celebrated historic landscapes is set to give a free public talk in Chiswick later this month, examining how centuries of gardening knowledge could help address some of today's most pressing environmental challenges.
Rosie Fyles, Head of Gardens at Chiswick House and Gardens, will present "Garden as Though You Will Live Forever" at the Chiswick Memorial Club in Bourne Place on Monday 16 November at 7.30pm.
The talk, organised by the Brentford and Chiswick Local History Society, will explore more than 300 years of garden history at Chiswick House and Gardens and offer insights into the ongoing work being undertaken to preserve the site's historic landscape for future generations.
Drawing on her experience managing one of Britain's most important historic gardens, she will discuss innovative conservation projects currently under way at Chiswick House and consider whether historic gardens can provide inspiration for tackling modern issues including climate change, biodiversity loss and people's growing disconnection from the natural world. She brings a wealth of experience to the role. Before joining Chiswick House and Gardens, she served as Head Gardener at Ham House, where she led award-winning restoration and gardening projects noted for their creative and nature-friendly approach within a historic setting.
Her route into horticulture was an unusual one. Prior to retraining in garden management, she worked internationally in communications, running her own agency before embarking on a new career in gardening. She has also served as a National Trust "Garden Champion", mentoring and supporting other head gardeners across the organisation.
During her tenure at Ham House, Fyles and her team received widespread recognition for their work and featured in both broadcast and print media.
Visitors will also have the opportunity to purchase copies of historian David Jacques' acclaimed book Chiswick House Gardens at a special event price of £30.
The talk begins at 7.30pm at the Chiswick Memorial Club, Bourne Place, W4. Admission is free and open to all, with donations from non-members welcomed.
The Society's final talk of the year, on 21 December, will examine the extraordinary history of Goddards' Brentford furniture store. Local historian and Society vice-chairman David Shailes will chart the story of a business that has been serving Brentford since 1815 and remains under the ownership of the Goddard family six generations later. The presentation will highlight how the company has adapted and endured while continuing to trade from premises in Brentford.
All talks will be held at the Chiswick Memorial Club. The Society is not currently able to run hybrid meetings, although records of presentations may be made available on its website where copyright permits. Members will also receive email reminders ahead of each event. In addition to the talks programme, the Society's autumn newsletter highlights a number of local events connected with London Open House, including walks, tours and building visits in Brentford and Chiswick, as well as information about other local history activities taking place later in the year.
For further information about the autumn programme and upcoming events, visit the Brentford & Chiswick Local History Society website.
Meetings, usually on the third Monday of the month, take place at Chiswick Memorial Club, Bourne Place, off Dukes Avenue opposite Chiswick Library. The membership year runs from January to December and the annual subscription costs £15 or £20 for two people at the same address .
If you wish to join, either come along to one of the meetings, or print off, complete and send the membership form with your details and cheque for payment, or if you wish to use your credit or debit card through PayPal, click here but also send an email to membership@brentfordandchiswicklhs.org.uk giving your name, address, phone number, and confirmation that the society may contact you by email in the future.
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