- Iconic Hampstead Heath structure recognised as priority for conservation
- Inclusion on the Heritage at Risk Register could unlock vital funding and expert support
- Corporation pledges to safeguard site for future generations
The Hill Garden Pergola on Hampstead Heath has today (6 November) been added to Historic England’s Heritage at Risk Register – a move that could help unlock funding and specialist support for its long-term conservation.
Inclusion on the Register reflects the natural ageing of the structure, inherent in its original construction materials and techniques. It also highlights the challenges of maintaining it over time, while also bringing expert attention and funding opportunities that support its preservation.
Built in 1906 as part of a private Edwardian estate, the Pergola is now one of the Heath’s most beloved features, visited by hundreds of thousands each year, and cared for by the Corporation, which manages the Heath as a registered charity.
Since acquiring the Pergola in 1989, following the abolition of the Greater London Council, the City Corporation has undertaken several programmes of repair and restoration. After severe storms damaged the colonnades and oak timbers that same year, the eastern section was restored with new stone columns and reinforced oak framework.
Ongoing maintenance has included regular structural inspections, vegetation management, and the upkeep of walkways, balustrades, and bridges.
In 2025, repairs were carried out to the red-brick section of the Pergola, including essential timber bracing and the installation of temporary scaffolding to ensure public safety.
Chair of the City Corporation’s Hampstead Heath, Highgate Wood and Queen’s Park Committee, Alderman Gregory Jones KC, said:
“The Hill Garden Pergola is one of Hampstead Heath’s hidden gems – a romantic and much-loved space, steeped in history.
“We’re proud to care for it as a registered charity and welcome Historic England’s support in recognising the need for focused, long-term conservation.
“This status will help us seek to unlock access to vital funding and expert support, strengthening the case for external grants and charitable donations.
“With safety, sustainability, and public enjoyment at the heart of its care, this recognition marks a turning point — not of decline, but of renewed investment in one of Hampstead Heath’s most treasured landmarks.”
Edward James, Partnerships Team Leader at Historic England, said:
“The Heritage at Risk Register draws attention to historic places in need and helps bring partners together to explore opportunities for repair and regeneration. We’re working closely with the Corporation and Camden Council to develop a way forward to conserve and restore this remarkable structure.”
The Pergola, which recently won Gold in the 2025 London in Bloom Awards for ‘walled garden of the year’, is one of the few surviving examples of its kind in the UK and features a 170-metre-long raised walkway, stone balustrades and wooden trellising.
The City Corporation has actively maintained the structure since becoming custodian of Hampstead Heath in 1989. Structural surveys are carried out regularly and safety inspections continue to ensure the site remains open to the public wherever possible.
The new status could support bids for external grant funding and charitable donations to enable urgent and future repairs.
The Hill Garden Pergola and Gardens are Grade II* listed on the National Heritage List for England, a designation given to just 5.8% of listed buildings in the country.
Those wishing to support the Pergola’s future can get in touch with the Hampstead Heath Charity (803392) by emailing hampstead.heath@cityoflondon.gov.uk.
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Notes to editors
ABOUT THE CITY OF LONDON CORPORATION:
The Corporation is the governing body of the Square Mile, dedicated to supporting a diverse and sustainable London within a globally successful UK – .
For more images, please visit our Flickr Album
ABOUT HISTORIC ENGLAND:
Historic England is the public body that helps people care for, enjoy, and celebrate England’s spectacular historic environment. It provides expert advice, guidance, and funding to protect the country’s most significant historic places for future generations.
For more information visit www.historicengland.org.uk/about.
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